What is the theme in Throwing Stones by Kristi Collier?

Grief is an important theme in the book. When the novel begins, Andrew talks about his brother, Pete. Pete was only seventeen when he enlisted in the military and went to war. On the day the war ended, Andrew and his family got a telegram informing them that Pete died of influenza in Europe. This news changed Andrew's family. George became more concerned with rules and morality, Mr. Soaring became quieter, less apt to laugh, and Mrs. Soaring began doing charity works rather than spending time playing cards with her friends.