Butterworth's novel is socially complex and raises many issues that are currently being debated. The impact of urban sprawl and the problem of technological invasion of privacy are major concerns today and are possibly more important to more people now than they were when this book was first published. Butterworth makes his points about these issues without being heavy-handed.

Those responsible for problems in the book are not villains; rather, they are ordinary folks who do not realize the intangible value of what they have. Mr. Watson, Mr. Billings the school principal, and Jenny's family, all possess something priceless that is not fully appreciated. Butterworth was ahead of his time in bringing conservation and privacy issues to the attention of young people.

The Pearson family is a traditional one, with Mrs. Pearson occupied full time at home, even though all of her children are of school...