This New York Times bestselling account of books parachuted to soldiers during WWII is a “cultural history that does much to explain modern America” (USA Today). When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned 100 million books. Outraged librarians launched a campaign to send free books to American troops, gathering 20 million hardcover donations. Two years later, the War Department and the publishing industry stepped in with an extraordinary program: 120 million specially printed paperbacks designed for troops to carry in their pockets and rucksacks in every theater of war. These small, lightweight Armed Services Editions were beloved by the troops and are still fondly remembered today. Soldiers read them while waiting to land at Normandy, in hellish trenches in the midst of battles in the Pacific, in field hospitals, and on long bombing flights. This pioneering project not only listed soldiers’ spirits, but also helped rescue The Great Gatsby from obscurity and made Betty Smith, author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, into a national icon. “A thoroughly engaging, enlightening, and often uplifting account . . . I was enthralled and moved.” — Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried “Whether or not you’re a book lover, you’ll be moved.” — Entertainment Weekly

Plays written in English or translated into English; Published since 1900 Cover title: Index to one-act plays for stage, radio, and television.

Several events lead Elsie, the tenement orphan, to believe that Jimmy, the newsboy, will buy her a Christmas gift, and it seems it is up to Jimmy to do it. Christmas is an unknown quantity at the tenement, but everyone agrees that Elsie must not be disappointed and plan to have one anyway. Elsie's lost father walks in amid the fun, and the climax is general rejoicing. It's a joyful play with incredible characters Christmas at McCarthy's is a short Christmas play for young and older children. It mixes the mildest pathos and the most sparkling humor to a notable degree. Several nationalities are represented in the drama, and there is an option to introduce specialties if desired. It requires a small cast and simple costumes and can be performed at gatherings by children. It is a great way to build the confidence of the little actors.