Magorian sensitively depicts the devastating effects of child abuse. She shows how his mother's mistreatment has incapacitated Willie, but the narrative concentrates on his healing process.
The only violent scene occurs at the novel's climax, when Willie returns to his cruel mother. This scene makes the novel more appropriate for mature young adults, but it is vital to the plot, giving Mr. Tom an opportunity to rescue the boy he has learned to love. The description of Willie's tedious process of rehabilitation through love gives the novel.....
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