He wants a library card, even though he can't read yet, so he works hard to learn to write his name.

Things are tight for his family; it's not easy for Rufus' mother to earn enough to feed four children.

World War I is in its final year, and Rufus M. shows its effect on the family, with shortages of some food and coal.

The books ends with the family celebrating Armistice Day writing their dreams for the future on paper and burning them at the stove.

Carol Hurst noted in Teaching K-8 Magazine that the Moffats portray a poor family that cares for each other, and children and adults will identify with Rufus' sense of fun.