Adventure
In Poop Fountain!: The Qwikpick Papers, the desire for adventure, and the curiosity of the young protagonists play a significant role. These are common traits in middle-grade readers themselves, making the characters relatable. The formation of the Qwikpick Adventure Society underscores the friends' yearning for excitement beyond their ordinary lives. Their quest to see the Poop Fountain is a testament to their sense of adventure and their curiosity about the world around them. This theme highlights the importance of exploration and the joy of discovery in life.
Friendship
The friendship between Lyle, Marilla, and Dave is a central theme of the book. Their shared experiences, like planning their adventure and dealing with the aftermath, strengthen their bond and teach them about loyalty, honesty, and responsibility. Their friendship provides them with a safe space to grow and understand the world around them. Each character has its strengths and weaknesses. Still, their friendship allows them to support each other, demonstrating their important role in personal growth and development during their formative years.
Ethics
Poop Fountain!: The Qwikpick Papers delves deep into the exploration of ethical conduct and responsibility, especially as the characters grapple with their decision to trespass onto the sewage plant. The ethical quandary here is twofold: first, in their decision to embark on the adventure, knowing they're flouting rules and parental instructions; second, in their subsequent choice to own up to their actions, bearing the consequences.
This theme offers readers an important lesson in integrity, responsibility, and understanding the consequences of their actions. While the trio initially views their mission to see the Poop Fountain as a harmless adventure, they soon realize the potential consequences when they confess to their parents. The varied reactions of the adults, from chastisement to surprising nostalgia, add nuance to this ethical dilemma, showing that understanding right from wrong can sometimes be complex.
