Norristown, like Two Mills, is across the Schuylkill River from Bridgeport, and neighboring towns include Conshohocken, Jeffersonville and Worcester, all of which are mentioned in the novel.

The book was well-received upon publication, variously lauded in reviews as "always affecting,"[4] having "broad appeal," and being full of "pathos and compassion.

"[5] Booklist reviewer Deborah Abbot says, "...this unusual novel magically weaves timely issues of homelessness, racial prejudice, and illiteracy into a complicated story rich in characters and details...an energetic piece of writing that bursts with creativity, enthusiasm, and hope.

[24] In 2012 it was ranked number 40 among all-time children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal, a monthly with primarily U.S.

[32] The book was adapted as a TV movie in 2003 which was nominated for the Humanitas prize in the children's live action category,[33][34] and as an audiobook by Listening Library in 2005.