What types of problems does the main character face in the novel, The Bronze King?

Valentine Marsh is a strong, engaging, and realistically drawn character who must face not only the evil kraken, but also an array of social and family problems. Especially through this character, Charnas presents the range of problems facing adolescents today—from family issues of divorce, single-parent families, parent-child relationships, and aging grandparents to social problems with peers and feelings of alienation.