Relationships and Friendships
Relationships and friendship form the key theme in this book. In every chapter, the author explores the relationship between the characters. The first chapter examines the relationship between Jasmine and Terrence Jumper. The two are good friends but people believe that a friendship between a girl and a boy is impossible. In chapter two, a group of friends have come together to form what they call Low Cuts. The group formed their friendship after interacting on a platform involving parents with cancer.
Bullying and Violence
Bullying and violence are significant themes in this book. Violence and bullying is displayed in chapter three where Marcus Bradford bullies both Stevie Munson and Pia Foster. Pia loves skateboarding but her skateboard is vandalized by a group of bullies led by Bradford. She feels devastated and decides to visit the cemetery to reminisce about her dead sister who was shoved into traffic by violent people.
The Theme of Homophobia
The theme of homophobia is explored in chapter five where Bryson Will is attacked by a group of boys for trying to defend Ty Carson. Ty Carson is rumored to have kissed another boy. Therefore, people are speculating that Ty Carson might be a gay. However, when his friend tries to defend him from such allegations, he is attacked by a group of boys. After the incident, Ty awards Bryson with a bunch of flowers for standing with him.
Determination in the Face of Challenges
The entire book explores the power of determination when people are faced with challenges. The title of the book fits in this theme because it encourages readers to look both ways i.e. negative and positive expectations. For instance, Satchmo fears dogs because they bite him when he was a little child. Astonishingly, he comes to realize that dogs are friendly.
Grief and Death
Pia Foster is grieving the death of her sister who was shoved into traffic by a violent person. The death of her sister hits her hard. Indeed, Pia has never gotten the death of her sister. She frequently goes to the cemetery to visit her sister’s grave. For instance, when her skateboard is destroyed by bullies, she visits her dead sister’s grave.
