"And they hurried crossly home, though Quill did take the long way around to roll in a weedy rock pool. He couldn't go around smelling of lavender."

So not only does McAllister represent racism, pedophilia, epidemic, mental illness, and grief for younger audiences in this book, but she also covers fragile masculinity. What DOESN'T she cover? I just adore how McAllister brings these issues to light in an approachable manner for young readers and a recognizable way for older ones.