In his attempt to realistically portray the lives of schoolchildren during World War II, Westall includes some harsh language, sexual innuendos, violent behavior, and religious allusions. Because the occasional use of unpleasant language by the young characters is usually in response to stressful or frustrating situations, these realistic lapses should be of little concern to most parents and teachers.

Sexual innuendos are infrequent but present. In one instance, Chas is briefly confronted by Mrs. Nichol's open dressing gown, leaving him feeling a bit strange. Hints about this woman's illicit sexual activities serve to help the reader understand both Nicky's home environment and the other parents' reluctance to let their children play at the Nichol home. The children, however, already know the difference between right and wrong. Chas is even disgusted when a neighbor sits with her knees apart, inadvertently revealing knickers.

War in itself is violent...