Lubar uses change as a motif throughout the novel, supporting the theme of Coming of Age: Shaping One’s Identity as an Individual. Scott Hudson’s life from the start of the novel is in flux; he is starting a new school and has no idea what to expect. The changes he encounters in school drive his own transformation; by the end of the novel, he has created his own identity as a talented writer and a champion against bullies. Because the changes in school are so pervasive, they have implications in all aspects of Scott’s life.

Scott anticipates that everyone will be older and bigger in high school, but the changes are more systemic. He is enrolled in Honors and College Prep classes, which creates a distance between him and his childhood friends. The distance deepens when Patrick moves away, Mitch gets a girlfriend, and Kyle joins wrestling, but those changes lead Scott to new friendships with Wesley Cobble and Lee. Julia Baskins has transformed into a beautiful young woman over the summer, and his feelings toward her correspondingly change as well. His infatuation then creates more change; he joins the school newspaper to be close to her and discovers he is a talented writer.