Books like Meet Molly by Valerie Tripp

During the upheaval of World War II, 9‑year‑old Molly finds herself at home while her father serves overseas. With the family’s keepsake piano quiet and the garden full of cramped, wilted vegetables, she strives to keep their household running and to cope with the loss of normalcy. Molly’s brother, eager to impress, manages to spoil her beloved Halloween costume, stirring resentment that compels her to plot revenge. Yet through the challenges of shared chores and sibling rivalry, Molly discovers that the true victory is learning to trust, compromise, and find joy in simple acts—like cooking with the garden’s produce and playing music with her family. The story blends the hard realities of wartime life with the tender growth of a child learning to navigate change, responsibility, and the power of family love.

First publish date: 1943