There are many resources that illustrate the contributions made by men for the war effort, specifically fighting for our country on the front lines. However, the contributions made by women are just as important but not as widely written about or studied. Moonlight Serenade is Jack and Elsie Little's love story, but it is also the story of a woman who was passionate about serving her country and is inspirational for readers of all ages. Young Avery Spranger and Grace Warhurst did a wonderful job of bringing Elsie's story to life for young readers. Elsie Bossola was born on April 5, 1924, in Herminie, Pennsylvania, to Frank Louis and Teresa (Buso) Bossola. When she was young, Elsie remembers her father traveling to many places for work, just to make money to take care of her mother, her two sisters, and her. In addition, her mother took in boarders for extra money, so Elsie interacted with many people as she was growing up.When she was a senior in high school, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, and midway through her senior year, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Immediately, young men in her class were enlisting in the military and were sent overseas to fight for our freedom. Many of the young men who would have graduated with Elsie never returned from the war.When Elsie graduated from high school, she wasn’t sure if she would find work, but she knew the military would provide food and clothing. So, she enlisted but Elsie needed her mother and father’s approval, and with a little convincing, she got it. They didn’t believe she would ever actually follow through with this endeavor, so they signed the papers, and Elsie didn’t look back. She was strong-willed and worked to accomplish anything she desired. She was stationed in North Carolina where she worked as a Teletype for the United States Marines. Female Marines were uncommon at the time and their male counterparts did not want them in the military but were forced to accept them. Elsie stood up for herself, and as a result, she did get herself into some trouble every once in awhile! In 1946, Elsie attended a dance on the military base. While at the dance, she met Jack Little, another United States Marine. He asked her to dance and they never stopped. On February 1, 1946, in New Bern, North Carolina, ten days after Jack and Elsie met, they were married; their parents were not in attendance, but they each called home before the wedding to tell their parents they were getting married, not ask for their blessing. They later had a celebration with Elsie’s family in Pennsylvania at a reception for both Elsie and her sister, who was also just married.Near the end of World War II, Elsie served the United States but did not travel overseas. At the time, women served their country at home, while men served both at home and overseas. She served as a Teletype, learning skills that she used for the rest of her life. Elsie remembers this time as one that she will always cherish; she is proud that she had the opportunity to serve in the United States military. Elsie served two years in the military but she will always be a Marine. Jack served his country for twenty-five years before retiring. Elsie traveled the country and found work. In 1967, Jack and Elsie finally retired to Geneseo, Illinois, Jack’s hometown. While living in Geneseo, Elsie worked at the Rock Island Arsenal in Civil Service as a Personnel Specialist until 1973. After many years of dancing, Jack died on February 28, 1992, after a battle with cancer. Elsie died in 2016, and she and Jack have been reunited and will dance forever in heaven. Jack and Elsie’s love story is one that has the power to inspire. They had the opportunity to live in various places throughout the United States, as well as Japan. This story is one everyone should read. It is an encouragement to us all.