II, 1939-1945. Although this book is not about the Great Depression or World War II, these affected the general welfare of families, as did, the Jim Crow Laws. Therefore, life was not easy and quite challenging for a family of ten children. Bertha was number four of the ten and stuck between five boys. Everyone seemed to depend on her to do many things, although she was sick a lot of the time. Living next door to grandparents added to her list of responsibilities, but being a very obedient child and never rebellious, Bertha continued with her many chores, day in and day out.