In Jane Yolen's "Armageddon Summer," the story unfolds amid a world brimming with adult anxieties and fervent beliefs. The phrase "Amen!" reverberates around the protagonist, symbolizing a collective yearning for reassurance and perhaps salvation. It highlights the desperation of adults clinging to faith in uncertain times, with their cries echoing a desire for transcendence and permanence amidst chaos.

This tumultuous atmosphere reflects the struggles of growing up in a time filled with impending doom. The protagonist grapples with understanding the adults' fervor while navigating their own emotions, illustrating the tension between childhood innocence and the heavy burdens of adult fears. Through this narrative, Yolen captures the complexities of faith, hope, and the longing for belonging when faced with existential challenges.