In writing to an audience of young people, Jean Craighead George creates young characters who are self-reliant and capable of taking action. Through them, she inspires readers to get involved in causes they care about.

The children of Delhi are about 10 years old, but they don’t let their youth keep them from fighting for a cause they care about: birds of prey. When they learn about how utility poles endanger birds, they immediately write letters to the utility company asking them to adjust the wiring. They also try to protect Frightful and her young when the Delhi Bridge is under construction, writing letters to the governor of New York and organizing a parade to promote community awareness about Frightful’s circumstances. These children show initiative, bravely talk to the bridge repairmen, and convince their parents to care about the falcons. Perhaps their youth even functions as a way to get others’ attention; sometimes people are more willing to sympathize with children than with adults. The kids of Delhi have influence and power when they choose to take action.

George also provides examples of adults’ roles in fostering a can-do spirit in children.