Some parents and teachers may object to Cormier's presentation of death and dying in a novel written for and about teen-agers. A fatalistic tone hovers over the action of the novel because all the boys in the hospital are doomed to die.

No specific illnesses are mentioned, but two characters—Ronson and Mazzo— actually die during the course of the novel, and all of the other patients, including Barney, will soon follow.

Despite the depressing setting and action, Cormier presents very optimistic underlying themes. Barney's quest to find meaning in life is a life-affirming theme, especially since he does discover that meaning. Barney's need to create his own identity presents a worthwhile model for younger and older readers alike. These powerful themes, subtly woven into the novel, should be pointed out to the younger reader, who might have difficulty separating these underlying themes from...