What are the motifs in A Fine White Dust by Cynthia Rylant?

Abandonment is a motif. There are several instances of abandonment found in A Fine White Dust, the story of Pete Cassidy's quest for the closeness of God. Even though his parents had not been particularly religious, Pete could not remember a time when he did not feel spiritual. It was something that was just born in him. He always attended church alone and would not miss but he longed for his parents to support him in his spiritual journey and wanted them to attend church with him.