Hest, Amy

Katie, a Jewish girl living in New York City during World War II, sees many dynamic changes in her world as she ages from seven to ten waiting for her father to return from the war.

When her parents go away for the weekend, Sophie enjoys sharing her grandfather's hobby and her grandmother's picnic while she stays with them in New York City.

When Sam has a cough, Mrs. Bear tends to him all through the cold night.

When Pete's widowed mother starts dating Lily's divorced father, the two girls decide they need to control the situation.

Janie observes the day-to-day activity in her Brooklyn neighborhood and records it all in her notebook.

Every other Sunday, Sadie and her grandfather go for their special early-morning walk.

Despite her mother's reminder that "navy blue is what you always get, " Gabby begs her tailor grandfather to make her a beautiful purple fall coat.

Although her parents love walking in the rain, Baby Duck does not--until Grandpa shares a secret with her.

Eleven-year-old Katie Roberts shares her deepest thoughts and secrets in a notebook given to her by Mrs. Leitstein before Katie and her mother moved to Texas.

When Mrs. Bear and little Sam deliver the cakes they have made for their friends in the neighborhood, Sam carries the cakes all by himself, through the snow and up to the front doors.