One difference between the two families can be illustrated by examining their homes. The Foster family's home is cold and unwelcoming, while the Tuck family's home is a very warm and welcoming house. The book begins by describing the Foster house as a "touch-me-not" house. It's one of those homes in which everything looks neat and organized, but you are not allowed to touch anything. It's not a fun house to be in. Conversely, the house that the Tuck family lives in is not neat and ordered. It's not disgustingly messy, but Winnie gets the impression that the people and relationships within the house are more important than the tidiness of the house.

Another difference between the Tucks and the Fosters is their treatment of Winnie. The Fosters smother Winnie. They try to guide and rule over every part of her daily life. That's why Winnie is contemplating running away when the book first begins. On the hand, the Fosters treat Winnie like she is a full-fledged member of the family. They do want to protect her, but they don't try to control her or her decisions. The freedom that Winnie finds with the Tuck family stands in stark contrast to her experience with her own family, and it is probably why she falls in love with the Tucks so easily.