A theme is the central message of a novel that is typically short and to the point. Think back over the story. What was the theme of this story? Explain your answer and use evidence from the text to support.

I might consider the simple act of friendship to be the main theme in the story. Because he is a such a big-hearted kid, Zinkoff spends a great deal of time considering the value of friendship. He actually is a loyal friend to a lot of people, but the kids in school wouldn't know. Zinkoff spends time with his dad, with the lonely old lady down the street, with Claudia and her mom, anyone really who needs a friend. Even when his teachers are rude or hurtful, Zinkoff tries to befriend them. Quirks aside, he understands the value of caring for people and listening to them. This approach, while functional, doesn't seem to resonate with the social hierarchy established in school which keeps Zinkoff on the fringe because of his awkwardness.