This is a good short MG-level read that touches upon ideas in some refreshingly nuanced ways even with its conciseness. There is the theme of poverty (one meaning of “tightness”) but it has gradations and levels within. Ideas about masculinity are also very present with softness being the ultimate insult and strength contrasted with intelligence and smarts. The father has anger issues and has been in and out of jail and yet he is also a good father in other ways. Friends are sometimes good and sometimes not so much and that is closer to reality than a one-sided bully. Having just read Shout, it makes me think about the role of trauma in relationships and how people can both love and hurt one another at the same time.