Bullying

Bullying is a major theme in the book and is one of the reasons Eleanor and Park become friends. Eleanor is teased from the moment of her arrival at Park's school, mostly because of her appearance but also because she is new. It's important for the reader to remember that Eleanor had friends at her previous school, meaning she knows how to fit in. Her lack of acceptance at the new school seems to be at least partly because of the people she encounters first.

Tina and Steve are loud and harsh in their dealings with others. Park is subjected to some of their actions and he tries to keep his head down and avoid attracting their attention. However, he is not teased as mercilessly as Eleanor because he has grown up with Tina and Steve. Park is somewhat relieved when Tina and Steve begin to...