what is the running theme of this book? Why was it written?

I think that wealth is a major theme in this book. Lisa comes to terms with the way wealth can impact the lives of the people around her. Her father is extremely wealthy, while her mother is not, so she begins to learn from a young age how this disparity can influence their lifestyles. Lisa’s mother tries to explain to young Lisa how their wealth is at a much different level than Steve’s. Lisa writes, “‘See that?’ My mother pointed to a ripped bit of white paper the size of a pencil eraser. ‘That’s what we have. And see that?’ she said, pointing to a whole roll of white kraft paper. ‘That’s what he has’” (17). This comparison serves to introduce Lisa to the idea that even though both of these individuals are her parents and equal in that regard, their lives are on immensely different playing fields, based predominantly on the amount of money they possess.