"Okay For Now"

One of the primary themes that runs throughout the novel is growing up and coming of age. In some way, each of the characters learn lessons about growing up and dealing with responsibilities in life. Doug deals a lot with puberty and the changes in his feelings and his body as a teenage boy. He also deals with an abusive father and the fact that he has made it into the eighth grade without being able to read.

Christopher's coming of age comes after Lucas comes home from Vietnam without his legs and blind. Christopher realizes that he has to help his brother find his way and that Christopher does not want to turn out like Mr. Swieteck. Even though Chris is heading down the same path as Mr. Swieteck, he alters his behavior, as does Doug and Lucas.

Lil comes of age when she faces death after coming down with cancer. Doug and Lil learn how valuable life is and that they should live it to the fullest. Even Mr. Swieteck comes of age when he realizes what he is doing to his family by being abusive and a thief. In the end, Mr. Swieteck gives back the stolen goods to sacrifice himself and get his son Christopher out of trouble for crimes he didn't commit but that everyone thinks he did.