What is the theme in The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah?

One major theme in the novel is that of free will and the subsequent repurcussions of making bad choices. This can be seen in the choices Ricky Santiaga made, and the subsequent murder of Winter's mother, and Ricky's eventual arrest. This theme is also illustrated in the choices Winter goes onto make for herself, repeating the mistakes of both her mother and father.