All-American takes place in a small city in New England during the early days of World War II, but it could easily be set in any region of the United States. The ethnic mix in the town parallels the multi-cultural nature of American life, and the diverse student body of the large public high school represents American middle- and working-class society. Although the climate and geography are northeastern, most of the novel's specific details are universally applicable.

The historical perspective is crucial to understanding Tunis's work. The survival of democracy itself seems threatened by the war, and Tunis describes a combative but fundamentally sound America, whose basic values are strong enough to insure survival unless corrupted by greedy or hate-filled people. Americans are still relatively innocent and regard the future with optimism. Confident that their lofty goals can be achieved, they harbor high ideals and believe in their...