Five for Victory

This book is about a family of 9 people. There are 5 kids, a grandma, a mom, a dad, and an uncle. This takes place during World War II. Their dad left for the war at the beginning of the story. The kids start a club to help the war. There are 8 kids in the club. The 2 youngest are mascots, and there are three of the other kids' friends. The eldest girl finds a baby squirrel, names it Blinky, and keeps it as a pet. The family gets many more pets, one of which they find in a big house that no one lives in that they call the White Elephant. They decide to have their club meetings there but... Then a family decides to move into the White Elephant. Now they have to find a new place for their club meetings. What I liked about this story was how everyone got along and how they always had fun together. My favorite character in the book was the youngest boy, Timmy, who was 1 1/2 years old. The reason why I like him is because he likes to have a food fight. My Favorite part is when Timmy throws his toast at a lady across the table (Mrs. Merryvale). this book was funny enough for me to enjoy, but I don't think my friends would think that there is enough excitement in it.

This book tells about a family in WWII and what life was like. Food was rationed, blackout drills were held, and their father and uncle were in the war. It is funny and touching. Angela is the funniest character. She gives very original names to her dolls. Traincrack and Surshy are the funniest names of her dolls in the book. I liked it when the Mitchells befriended Una, a war refugee from England. It was pure luck that Mr. Spencer was boarding with the Mitchells because Una got to meet him. He turned out to be her long lost Grandpa. My favorite character was Mr. Jenkins, a parrot who always had something special to say. All in all, it was a really good book.

In addition to being entertaining, this book was also informative. Prior to reading it, I didn't even know what a victory garden was! I loved the characters and found them to be realistic and recognizable. Angela was the funniest. I love the stupid names she gave her doll. Traincrack was certainly an original name. Even today I laugh about Traincrack.On a more serious note, I was quite moved when Una/Eunice was reunited with her grandfather. The drawing of them together really touched my heart. It is a book I will never forget and am glad to say I own. (I lucked into this book -- I bought it at a book sale some years ago). This is a classic that should be revived. It is wonderful.

This is a wonderful story about a family during World War II. It gives a glimpse into life during that time period from Victory Gardens to rationed food. I love how the kids all try to help out and usually get along with each other. They are a typical family that work together to survive the war. I am loaning these books to everyone I know who has kids who love to read. This should be on reading lists at schools. The story is well written and entertaining.

So, I am a little biased - My last name is Mitchell, and I grew up in Washington, DC. In addition to being a wonderful series of adventures, this book is a great way to learn about the WWII homefront in our nation's capital. A must-read for any child beginning to read books with chapters.