What are the motifs in Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins?

Search for identity is a recurring idea in the book. The search for one's identity begins at an earlier age than that of the young teens of this novel. It is during the teen years, however, that this search is more noticeable and, in many ways, most important in determining the type of adult one will come to be. The reader is introduced to Debbie, Hector, Patty, Phil and Lenny, but a number of peripheral characters as well.