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 Grampa comes to visit Henry, he's reluctant to meet Henry's new puppy, Charley; but Charley is determined to win Grampa's heart and does so when he rescues Grampa's hat that blows off in the wind.
Despite the doctor's warning that she is too frail, Samantha's grandmother zestfully joins her in a midnight raid on the kitchen, where they make fabulous ice cream sundaes and look at old photographs.