"For the duration . . ." Thirteen-year-old Laura Ann Fletcher resents those words. World War II is happening somewhere overseas, but not in her life ---- yet. In 1943 America is caught up in supporting the war effort in all areas, and Laura Ann watches helplessly as her own 'normal' life evaporates. The family relocates when her father takes a job repairing damaged warplanes at an airbase. Living in a homemade trailer in a war workers' camp, being the 'new' girl at school, and bullied by three local girls are just her initial challenges. Mid-winter a substitute history teacher appears in class. Before long, the Nancy Drew part of Laura Ann becomes uneasy about this man. She shares her suspicions with new friends, Don and Bobby. Who is he really? Why does he make notes of what students report during current events? Why do his smiles never reach his eyes? The trio follow clues that may lead them into trouble, and her into danger.
