Joan Morrisroe Reynolds

The Fireflies of Weccacoe Joan Morrisroe Reynolds

This story takes place in South Philly, in historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It describes the World War II era through the eyes of a child. The terror-stricken child hid behind the living room sofa after she heard the news that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. She was afraid to go to the breakfast room because it had a skylight and she thought the bombs would come through it. The story revolves around a precocious child who has a flair to make money through operating her own businesses. She believes she has the genes of David Rittenhouse, her ancestor and the first director of the United States Mint. She describes discovering Weccacoe in the 1940s. It was a fun place to go. She picked wildflowers and caught lightning bugs. Eventually it becomes a special place. She realizes that Weccacoe reinforces that there is a connection between the human spirit and the spirit of the universe. She describes tragic events eloquently. She introduces readers to the Mummers, a fundamental Philadelphia tradition. Many historic sites are mentioned with narratives about them as well. She describes events going on in her own little world as well as the world at large. She describes attending Sacred Heart of Jesus School and Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. She describes being exposed to all of the cultural arts in that little parish on the waterfront district of South Philly.