"Imagine If ." describes lifestyles during the Great Depression in 1929 on. The Sullivans had to endure poverty, possible starvation, labor disputes and tragedies. Yet thirteen Sullivan children were able to change their lives to become successful and eventually prosperous. Turning points cause Frank, Bill, Jacob, Sara, Joseph, Charles, Leonard, Tom, Isabelle, Ella, Molly, Martha and Rose to face hardships, dangers and challenges. Their mother, Maggie Sullivan became a widow at 42. Maggie Sullivan raised thirteen children by herself. Ralph Sullivan died at the age of 49 because of long hours and working conditions in a machine factory. Wages were low. Jobs were hard to keep. Food was scarce. Life was difficult in New York City. Sara enjoyed acting on the stage. Bill became a bank administrator. Jacob went to Rome, Italy to live. Frank became a manager. Sara became a business executive. Maggie Sullivan enjoyed many grandchildren in her later years.