The story is told in alternating "then" and "now" sections.  Readers are able to see the growth of the main character Bobby and to feel the depth and resonance of his love, sacrifice, and mistakes.  It also allows an interesting glimpse into Bobby's true nature as a character.  His growth is one step forward and then 3 steps back...He seems to be in a constant struggle of progress vs. digression.

 

The compelling aspect of this short novel is all that is going on in Bobby's life.  He is a student, he is a boy, he is a father, he is a boyfriend, he is an artist, he wants love, he want freedom, he wants to do what is right.  He must struggle with all of his "worlds" intersecting and colliding and requiring so much from him.

 

The novel for young adults offers a realistic view into a world many kids may or may not have experienced.  The realism of the story is felt in the language and circumstances of Bobby.  He is in once instance in love with his daughter Feather in magical, fatherly way and in the next he is leaving Feather with a sitter, blowing off school, and going "tagging" (graffiti). 

 

In the following exerpt, Bobby lays out "the rules:" 

 

"The rules. 

If she hollers, she is mine. 

If she needs to be changed, she is always mine. 

In the dictionary next to 'sitter,' there is not a picture of Grandma. 

It is time to grow up. 

Too late, you're out of time.  Be a grown-up."

 

The novel isn't preachy in any way; it offers the story and allows the resonance of the situation to stand on its own.  There is a lot that can be learned and felt from Bobby's situation, but the author leaves that to the reader -- an essential element in young adult literature.