before reading this book good information would be

to understand what life would be liek at a young age with a alcholic father, Rick's dad suffers with alcoholism and the rest of the family suffers. Ricks dad is abusive to his mother and the rest of his family. they only way his mother can live is off the income of the father so she is stuck with putting up with Ricks father.

http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/familyresources/a/dadsetoh.htm

another good thing to take into account would be the fact that they are poor, being extreamily poor can lead to child phycoligical issues. in the story Rick has to work alot to help support his family but his mother is to full of pride to let Rick help full time. all of this leading to emotional and behavoiral issues

http://www.childtrends.org/_pressrelease_page.cfm?LID=AB8E4412-2165-4AF4-95383DA81AFE4D18