School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-In Light in the Cellar, set during World War II, Molly and her friend Emily deliver recycled magazines to the patients at the Oak Knoll Hospital to help the war effort. While there, they suspect theft when bags of sugar, a rationed item, go missing. The second story takes place during the Depression. Kit is visiting her aunt in Kentucky and meets a professor from Chicago who wants to learn local traditions. Trouble finds them when the professor's supplies and pictures are ruined. These nicely paced mysteries integrate historical information from each period into the story lines well. These titles seamlessly place the well-developed American Girl characters in longer stories. Concluding "Looking Back" sections include explanations about the eras and photographs. Older American Girl and mystery fans will enjoy learning more about their favorite characters.-Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Missing sugar doesn't seem like much of a premise for a mystery, but it works when set against the background of World War II, where rationing was a big part of the war effort. Braided and bespectacled American Girl Molly is not thrilled that doing her part means delivering magazines at a convalescent home. But Emily, a Brit living with Molly's family, has asked for that assignment because she can visit her recuperating aunt, and Molly has agreed to accompany her. Meanwhile, there is a mysterious shortage of flour and sugar in the town, just when it is needed for cookies the soldiers will be enjoying at the Jefferson train stop. The plot includes plenty of red herrings, but what may engage readers most is the sometimes-testy relationship between the girls coupled with the effect the war has on everyone. The fascinating back matter, which features posters and other photos, describes how rationing aided the war effort and some of the things kids missed. Bubble gum! --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2007 Booklist
