SOLVED. YA, poor girl named Ruthie, lives with father [s]

[Jennifer]

This is a book I read in elementary school in the 70s. I believe the main character's name is Ruthie and she lives with just her father. Her mother left them or maybe died. Ruthie would always try to hide how poor she was by pretending to eat lunch at her desk when really she had no food. There was a girl in her class who was the pretty rich girl who had a lot of friends and who may not have been too nice to Ruthie. I also recall Ruthie possibly being invited to the rich girl's birthday and the stress that she experienced in trying to figure out how to get her a gift. Later there were some circumstances where the rich girl's family lost everything. The story may have taken place at the beginning of the depression or just before a war. I have been trying to remember the name of this book for quite some time so I hope this rings a bell for someone. Thanks!
Jennifer

[Lisa]

Oh, I hope that someone figures out which book this is. Onto my to-read shelf it will go!

[Lorna]

Wild Violets! By Phyllis Green. One of my favorites when I was a wee one. Takes place just before and during WWII. The rich girl was always nice to Ruthie; it was someone else who was mean.

[Jennifer]

Oh wow! That's it!!! Thank you!

[Lorna]

You're welcome!