Sneakers
"Thirteen," tells the story of Kevin who steals from his father and then buys expensive clothing items with the money. For the children, the sneakers are extremely important and they become willing to do anything, even commit crimes, just to get the necessary money to buy the said clothing item for themselves as well. The shoes are also used here as a symbol, representing the need to feel accepted and belong to a social group.
Symbol for lack of power
In "Race Riot" the narrator presents a highly sexual scene in which a young girl named Tina is forced to sit on a boy's lap while he touches her inappropriately. No one does anything to help the young girl and what this more, this scene is seen as something normal. The scene described here is disturbing and is also used as a symbol that represents the lack of power women and girls have.
Feeling guilty but doing nothing about it
A common motif mentioned here time and time again is the idea that even though Buddy often feels guilty after doing something bad or hurting someone through his actions or words, he does nothing to apologize and to right what he has wronged. This motif is important because it also transmits the idea that the young boy is still immature and has many things to learn.
The big tree
The action described in “A Bill Floyd Xmas” takes place around Christmas and is centered around a big plastic tree Buddy's family received from one of their neighbors. At first, everyone is happy with the tree and they spend a lot of time decorating it. However, as the story progresses, the tree also becomes a symbol, reminding everyone to be kind and helpful towards those who are less fortunate.
Symbol for freedom
Buddy's development process and growth reach their peak in the story “You Start to Live”. The main character is now reaching adulthood and has a growing interest in girls and also in obtaining his driver's license. Buddy does succeed in passing his driver's exam and this event changes him drastically. As such, the fact that Buddy has now the legal right to drive can be seen here as a symbol of freedom.
