Coming of Age

Growing up is difficult. In literature, growing up is analogous to the Coming of Age theme which focuses on the tumultuous physical, psychological, and emotional journey from childhood to adulthood. Over the course of the series' three novels, Ruby, Sam, and Zu age physically as expected. However, sometimes they struggle more than most adolescents with their psychological and emotional growth because they have no consistent adult guidance. They must develop coping skills to deal with violence and fear without adults to help them. This hinders Ruby, Sam, and Zu from transitioning into adulthood in a more traditional way.

Ruby, the novel's main character and narrator, exemplifies the coming of age theme. Ruby changes psychologically in the relatively short time between her escape from Thurmond and her return to the prison. During her time away, she has lived on the run with Liam, Chubs, and...