[7][8] In 1943, during World War II, nine-year-old Molly McIntire lives in the fictional town of Jefferson, Illinois[9] with her parents, James and Helen, and two older siblings, fourteen-year-old Jill and twelve-year-old Ricky.

As Molly's tenth birthday nears, she dreams of having a princess-themed tea party inspired by Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose of England, only to be disappointed as she learns that her family does not have the money nor rations to afford it.

Later that night during an air raid drill, James reveals that he has decided to go to London to provide medical aid to soldiers and civilians.

After James departs to Europe, Helen decides to enter the workforce to do her part for the war effort, taking a factory job at the fictional Jefferson Aircraft Plant.

Before a winner can be declared, a member of the Western Union arrives to inform Ms. Campbell, who is on the panel of judges, that her fiancé has been killed in the war.

After returning home from school one day, Molly finds her mother Helen making a casserole for Mrs. Gilford, whose son has been killed in action.

Molly's Aunt Eleanor comes to stay with the McIntire's to help with the children and housework while Mrs. Gilford is grieving.

Molly finds that she has been chosen for the lead role, but her excitement is short-lived as the McIntires receive a telegram stating her father is missing in action.

[13] Over thirty costumes were created or rented for Maya; over half of them were designed by Trysha Bakker, who referenced Nick Backes' and Chris Fox Payne's original Molly illustrations as well as magazines and children's clothes from the period.

[15] Although the majority of costumes featured on set were rented, others such as the Red Cross nurse uniform were sewn in-house for the movie.

The downtown street, school, train station, and auditorium scenes were all shot on location in Port Hope, Ontario.