During the course of the novel, Maddie grows and changes, but everyone else remains virtually the same. By telling the story from Maddie's point of view, Pearson allows the reader to identify with Maddie, understand the other characters as she understands them, and watch her grow. As Maddie's views change, Beanie becomes worthy of praise and Buddy becomes more contemptible. Neither one of them changes; Maddie simply learns to recognize their true selves.

Buddy remains an enigma for a while in the book, as Maddie tries to figure him out and she pieces together her broken memory of Mambo's death. Perhaps it is significant too that we never get a clear picture of Maddie's parents. Maddie herself does not have one; her captivation with the McBeans does not allow her to open up to her own parents and recognize their virtues. Pearson could have revealed more...