Rhue shows the brutal reality of homelessness from a youth's perspective. Danny faces hunger, cold, violence, and marginalization. The novel demonstrates that homelessness can affect anyone and is often not self-inflicted.

Despite the bleak reality, Danny never loses hope. He finds support in friendships with other homeless people who show him how to survive on the streets and stand together. These encounters illustrate that humanity and solidarity exist even in hopeless situations.

The experiences on the street force Danny to grow up and take responsibility for himself. He learns about his own strengths and discovers unexpected resources within himself. The search for a new home becomes simultaneously a journey of self-discovery.