The Summer of the Swans is unusual because the narrative provides an extremely perceptive look at the perspectives of two characters: Sara and her mentally retarded younger brother, Charlie. The opening chapters focus on Sara's typical adolescent problems, but when Charlie becomes lost her personal problems become secondary to her concern over her brother's whereabouts.

The narrative alternates its focus between Sara and Charlie, and as Charlie's story unfolds the reader sees his desperation in being cut off from those who care for him. Byars provides compassionate insight into Charlie's feelings of frustration and his sense that he is unloved and suspended in time.

The novel also adeptly explores the emotions of Sara, who feels awkward, confused, unwanted by her father, unattractive, and judgmental.