Fireflies In a Jar is a memoir that explores the early years of an adventurous, imaginative child who grew up in the once rustic suburb of Tarrytown in Austin, Texas.

McBride's account of life in the 1940's and 50's offers a glimpse into the values and pursuits of a generation characterized by hard work, strong faith, patriotism, and community service. Her parents, both of German descent, were active shapers and supporters of community life and adept at nurturing the author's love of life, adventure, music and the arts, ancestral stories, and leadership endeavors.

Attentive to detail and adept at storytelling, McBride describes the charms and challenges of Texas terrain, the characters who colored her everyday world as well as her family's history, her amusing escapades and growth experiences, familiar institutions and landmarks in the capital city, and encounters with prominent local personalities.

In Fireflies in a Jar, McBride invites the reader to journey with her and to recall the illuminating and character-shaping experiences of the reader's own childhood.