Mary Downing Hahn explores the way masculinity is defined across generations by portraying two boys coming of age in different time periods. Drew, already struggling with identity and insecurity about his masculinity in the present, is forced to switch places with Andrew, a physically assertive, less emotional boy from the past. While the boys are inherently different, they are also products of their time. Throughout the novel, Drew begins to identify what behaviors others classify as masculinity and what influences these ideas. In the process, he also discovers the kind of boy he wants to be.   

Before the supernatural element of the story is introduced, it is made clear that Drew struggles with his identity, particularly his sensitivity. His parents want him to be outdoorsy but assume he will stay inside all summer and read, implying this is a negative trait. His father warns him not to cry in the opening sequence, resulting in Drew hiding to avoid anyone seeing his tears, though he is unable to stop them altogether. Drew’s struggle with identity often centers around his emotions and more bookish, reserved nature, which directly contrasts with the behaviors of his archeologist father.

Andrew is also presented as a significant contrast to Drew, a

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