“Life at our house had definitely changed.”

Even before the move to Princeton, the Hatcher family goes through big changes. Tootsie is born and everyone must adjust. Peter struggles with lack of attention from his family and the changes taking place and lashes out at his parents regularly. Most of the lessons in the novel center around change and coping with it.

“That’s what you get for having another baby!”

Peter lashes out at his mother one day when she breaks down from exhaustion. She is overwhelmed by taking care of Tootsie and Fudge and begins crying. Rather than comforting his mom, Peter yells at her and tells her she deserves it. Peter has difficulty being empathetic when his needs are not being met or when he feels like his opinions are not being heard. However, change—and undesired change—will be the catalyst that helps him grow.

“The little sighs are my favorites, because then I know she’s content. And she feels so warm and soft, lying in my arms that way, that I feel good all over.”

In the case of Tootsie’s birth, change proves to be positive and benevolent. Peter was angry when he found out that Tootsie was going to be born and had a difficult time warming up to her. However, his brotherly instincts soon take over and he embraces her as his little sister.