Several themes, including family relationships, love, deceit, lying, dealing with a physically handicapped family member and dealing with death are preeminent in Sybil at Sixteen.

Sybil is the major character who narrates the story and whose reflections acquaint the reader with significant past events. Sybil is a well-rounded character whose strengths and weaknesses are apparent. She changes from a daughter who not only loved her father unconditionally but failed to sense his flaws to one who continues to love her father but with a clearer sense of who he actually is. Sybil's devotion to her father makes her a willing accomplice to a scheme she believes would help him financially. Sybil loves her mother and all of her sisters but she is most fond of Claire, who is nearest her age, although her affection for Claire is subordinate to that which she feels for...