The year 1941 was pivotal in U. S. history. It was a time of transition and a time of waiting for events that would change many lives forever.Eleven-year-old Maggie Calhoun was waiting, too. She was waiting for her mom's new baby to be born and waiting for her dad to get a new job out in California making airplanes for the war that was coming. But Maggie was also waiting for something she couldn't name -- waiting to discover a secret she felt was being kept from her by her own family. A secret that would help her understand who she really was.

With warmth and humor, author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk captures small town life in the Midwest during a unique time in America's history. She also gently reveals one young girl's self-discovery and growth during a special summer.