Teenager Maggie Larson finds that living during the Second World War presents many conflicts. Even though the battle is being fought across the ocean people in Chicago, Illinois are suffering too. There's a shortage of meat, sugar, rubber, cigarettes and gasoline, and ration stamps are needed on many items. They have practice air raids, collect old newspapers, buy war bonds and watch their young men go off to war. Maggie feels as if she has to grow up too quickly as the war escalates, but she has her family, friends and especially her faith to guide her.