Baby Be-Bop traces the growing awareness for Dirk of what it means to be homosexual in the contemporary United States culture. Significant themes appear in Baby Be-Bop that also appear in other books in the Dangerous Angels series, including the difficulty of retaining artistic sensitivity in a harsh world and the power of love to build a community.

"Dirk knew there was something about this train that wasn't right." As Dirk enters adolescence one-fourth of the way into the book, he finds himself alone in chaotic territory. Like many adolescents, Dirk finds it difficult to align his ideals with everyday interactions. "He wanted to be strong and love someone who was strong; he wanted to meet any gaze, to laugh under the brightest sunlight and never hide." Instead he finds himself locked in a world of secrets, acting roles to avoid the contempt others...