Although these characters deal with many problems, the final outcome is positive. Readers can step into the family life of the Freeds for a while and see how they interact with each other as they struggle with problems of dating and growing up. Seeing others struggle, muddle, and cope may help students make some decisions of their own and avoid some disasters.

There is some mild swearing, and there are some scenes in which Karen tries cigarettes. Scott and Karen's mother both smoke. Jason drinks excessively and is abusive when he drinks.

All of these are a part of ordinary, real life situations, and they make the story more believable.