Murphy and Wolkoff show sensitivity to the world they create in their story. They accept the diversity of cultures in New York—African American, Indian, Caucasian, French, and Latin—showing respect for their differences. They describe each culture accurately, using typical mannerisms and dialects.

The novel portrays compassion and respect for the homeless. Ace experiences hunger as he rides the subway dressed as a bag lady. He cannot take his eyes off the fresh-baked chewy pretzel with rock salt that a little kid eats in a seat directly across from him. The kid's mother catches Ace staring, and moves to another seat. As the subway reaches the 125th Street station, the mother passes Ace on her way out the door.

She hands him a dollar bill saying, "Buy yourself something to eat . . . You look hungry."

Another social issue the authors deal with is gangs...