Carole Emma Mathewson

World War II on the Home Front Carole Emma Mathewson

World War II on the Home Front involves the life of a farm girl, Emma, and begins the summer of 1941. In December, Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. The story involves the war's effect on the family, especially on Emma. Her work as a tractor driver on the family's ranch provides happiness, as does horseback riding. Conflicts with her eldest sister, and with the sister younger than she, are frequent. However, Emma enjoys the company of sisters seven and nine years older than she. Initially, happy school days provide a diversion from war. Tragedy strikes the family in 1945, followed by the effect on Emma of a cruel sixth-grade teacher. The next year, Emma has a like-mannered arithmetic instructor. The story ends on a happy note in 1946, a year after guns have been silenced.