A motif of Advances in Technology is evident in the book as repeated mentions of impressive technical gizmos and gadgets appear, especially those that replace a former method. This motif supports the theme of “The Dichotomy of Old and New.” Examples include the touch pads built into the surfaces of the Reading Room desks, available for research, book searching, and rolling virtual dice; the holograms of statues of famous writers as well as holograms of people like John James Audubon; and the use of video technology for online video chats. The rotunda ceiling panels show the image of space “as seen from the Hubble telescope” (55) when the children arrive for the lock-in. Early entrance to the games in the Electronic Learning Center is the prize for the second game of the night. Gutenberg’s printing press is mentioned in connection with one of the clue books, an early and important advancement in the spread of the written word.

The children symbolize different styles of learning through their actions. Akimi represents organization and visual learning; she is the one to write clues for all to see, first in her notebook and then on the whiteboards in the conference room.