What is the theme in In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd?

Coming of age is the main theme. Throughout the book, young Ralph learns valuable lessons about life that will serve him well as an adult. In "We Meet Flick, the Friendly Bartender," the reader learns that Ralph is visiting Hohman for the first time in many years. Admitting that he feels like a spy, Ralph sees the familiar sights and characters of his childhood through adult eyes. In "Duel in the Snow, or Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid," Ralph unfortunately learns that sometimes parents really do know what they are talking about. After receiving several discouraging warnings about the Red Ryder BB Gun and the probability that he will shoot his eye out, Ralph nearly does exactly that the first time that he fires the prized rifle. Clearly, he learns from the experience, as evidenced by its inclusion in the book.