Lets start by, does this meet the challenge...and yes, I think this is a great light on white! His expression, position, lighting is great! I notice in your comments that the b/w was not good for this challenge. I think its great for the challenge. It really sets the mood for the picture.
The only problem I can see is the blown out shirt sleeve. Its not real bad but it does pull my eyes to it. May have lost some points with the voters there.
Overall: I think this is a great photo for a very hard challenge. The boys expression looking out the window is awesome! Congrats on 35th place!!
Nice clear eyes. I would like to have seen a bit more contrast on his face. Maybe crop out some of the shir too - the folds are a tad distractingt. Cute expression - wow he sure seem deep in thought. ;~D
this has something about it that is just appealing overall, very much so. but the sleeve is so blown out it just draws my eye away from the face to the lower left corner.