Comment on style/ language

Because the story is told from the point of a view of a young child, the language and meaning are relatively simple. And although the story itself takes place in the late 1930s, the author uses language that is easily understandable for today's young reader. Tomie says that Buddy "freaked out" at the movies, which is a modern term (20). At the same time, though, there are words and phrases which are no longer used or easily recognized by young readers in the U.S. For example, Tomie mentions that at the movies his mother buys Black Crows as a treat. Black Crows are small licorice candies which were very popular during the first half of the twentieth century. In addition, Tomie says that adults might call him and his brother Buddy "fashion plates" when they are all dressed up in their new Easter outfits (25).