The book deals with war, racism, sexual exploitation and abuse as well as the fact that small-town American kids are cut off from much of the information that they need to deal with these and other issues. The boys find innovative and brave strategies to defeat this isolation and to come to grips with how to survive. They are fortunate enough to find people who are willing to help them in their struggle and wise enough to accept help when and how it is offered. With the help of the two young women that they love, they find ways to live rather than just exist.
The book deals with war, racism, sexual exploitation and abuse as well as the fact that small-town American kids are cut off from much of the information that they need to deal with these and other issues. The boys find innovative and brave strategies to defeat this isolation and to come to grips with how to survive. They are fortunate enough to find people who are willing to help them in their struggle and wise enough to accept help when and how it is offered. With the help of the two young women that they love, they find ways to live rather than just exist.