Research the contribution women and children made to the war effort during World War II. What types of scrap materials, besides paper, did children collect? What consumer commodities were rationed and how did Americans compensate for these shortages?

Read another of Gilchrist's "Rhoda" stories, either in the collection Victory over Japan or in another of her books. How does the character change over time?

Read one of Gilchrist's "Miss Crystal" stories, either in the collection Victory over Japan or in another of her books. How do Rhoda and Miss Crystal compare as characters?