Summary: In this chapter Rex takes his family to the zoo to show them that if you're not afraid of the animals, than they won't hurt you. A couple days later Rex loses his job, and gets kicked out of the electricians' union. The family goes broke. When there's no food Brian and Jeannette go to the Dumpster to find food. Rose wants Maureen to have nice clothes, so they start shoplifting at the thrift store and they start steeling from the bank. They usually have Christmas about a week after Christmas so they buy things that are on sale, but this year they decide to have Christmas on Christmas day. Rex ruins their Christmas because he is drunk. He burns down the Christmas tree and presents. Jeannette turns ten. When her dad asks her what she wants, she asks him if he could stop drinking. Rex stops, but it's very hard for him. The family decides to go on a camping trip to Grand Canyon, but on the way the car breaks down. They have to walk back to Phoenix. A lady comes and gives them a ride in her van. When they get to Phoenix, Rex disappears for three days. He comes back drunk. The family decides to move to West Virginia.

Main characters: The main characters in this chapter are Jeannette, Rex, Rose, Brian, Lori, and Maureen.

Character development: Jeannette is closer to her dad than anyone. When the rest of the family stops believing in Rex, she doesn't. She is always kind to everyone.

Setting: They live in Phoenix. It's December, and it takes place in the past. Jeannette is 10.

Quote: The most important quote in this chapter is, "Do you think you could maybe stop drinking?". Jeannette says this to Rex when he asks her what she wants for her birthday. I think it's important because Jeannette could have asked for anything else, but all she wants is for her dad to stop drinking.

Vocabulary: Gussied: to enhance the attractiveness of something.
Urchin: a mischievous boy.