The novel explores the uncertainties that teenagers face in their quest for independence. Ace wants to continue his acting career this summer and hang out with the gang, a sign of his budding independence.

Yet things do not go as planned. Barney persuades Ace to come with him. Ace realizes how important Barney's journey is, and reluctantly agrees to forego his independence for a while. The Falcons express anger at his betrayal, yet they understand his decision.

Ace's growth in the earlier novels has matured him to a new level of understand ing and self-acceptance. He seems less concerned with being accepted. He takes the Falcons' anger in stride and promises to write about his journey.

Ace's round, dynamic character contains many dimensions, which makes it easy to identify with him. Earlier in the series, Ace gained self-acceptance and became an integral part of...