Rylant touches serious issues of social significance. Both Anne and her teen-age son Chip briefly entertain the idea of abortion when Anne reveals her undesired pregnancy. As a teen-ager who is somewhat self-absorbed, Chip focuses on how his life will change if an infant is introduced into the household; he feels that the event will "screw up my life." He demonstrates his concern with verbal outbursts to ward his mother, berating her for bringing another child into the world without a father, since his father has never been a part of his life. Because his mother respects Chip, she listens to his outbursts and responds calmly, while Chip reports that he "wanted to hug and club her at the same time."

As an adult, Anne's decision to have the baby is precipitated by her caring attitude toward the sea turtles she often observes and the dusky...