Eckert's realistic portrayal of violence in nature may concern readers, although most young adults have seen nature shows on television with similarly graphic depictions of the inherent violence of the animal world. On the other hand, some of the descriptions of eating raw animals are not suitable for the faint-hearted. The scene in which Ben and the Badger kill the dog Lobo, although necessary to the story, is particularly gruesome. But the novel contrasts killing for survival with killing for profit and for pleasure, and one could certainly use the book as a means of pointing out the difference to students.

It is also important to note that the book in no way advocates running away from home. Ben does not run away, and he is close to death when found. Eckert does not glorify an existence without parents.