This novel is filled with touchy areas. The three major areas of controversy are relationships with parents, death, and sexuality. As is often the case in literature for adolescents, adult characters are stereotypical and thinly portrayed. There is no evidence that supports his accusations, however. In one scene, Pamela tells Alice that she slapped her father during an argument and he slapped her back.
Death is always controversial in books for young readers.
Of the three touchy topics, however, this one will probably be the cause for the least concern among adults. Alice's reactions to her teacher's death are realistic, and her father's response is sympathetic. This is one instance in the book where the character of the father appears to be appropriately understanding and concerned. Issues of sexuality will almost certainly be the most objectionable for adult caretakers of child readers. This is the case with other books in the series as well.