Product Description

Molly wishes that she and her English friend, Emily, had exciting volunteer jobs that really helped in the fight to win World War Two. Instead, they're magazine delivery girls at Oak Knoll Hospital. Soon, however, Molly and Emily start to suspect that something very un-patriotic is going on at Oak Knoll--and their snooping leads them into deep trouble! Girls will enjoy solving the mystery right along with Molly and Emily. This latest book from Sarah Masters Buckey, a two-time Agatha Award nominee, also includes an illustrated "Looking Back" section to provide historical context.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #160960 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 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
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
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 © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

More than just a mystery
The Light in the Cellar is much more than just a mystery; it is also a patriotic book of one girl's determination to make a difference! It's just too easy to enjoy Molly's sweet charm and zesty determination.

The Light in the Cellar is a mystery about missing rationed goods. Someone is stealing sugar, and Molly knows it's up to her to put the clues together.

This Molly Mystery, which takes place during WWII, does such a great job of relaying a patriotic message. Molly and all of her friends and family are always doing their part to help with the war-effort.

To find out why there is a "light in the cellar" you'll have to read this great mystery. This book is sure to be a page-turner and you'll enjoy Molly's journey, as you wonder, "will Molly catch the thief?"

Readers will be turning the pages quickly to see if Molly's detective work will solve the mystery!


Also, be sure to check out the last few pages, filled with a lot of interesting information about WWII, rationing goods, and much more!

"Page Turner"
My 10 y/o referred to this as a "page-turner" and loved it so much she bought a large, hardcover Molly book with six different stories included (not offered thru Amazon) at a chain-bookstore last evening. She says, "It's incredibly interesting and I wished the book never ended. Probably the most interesting book I've ever read."