Identity
The novel's Central theme is Identity. Danny Lopez is a sixteen-year-old biracial boy. His ethnicity is half Mexican and half White, which makes him feel confused and disconnected from both of his cultures. Danny's parents are divorced, and he lives with his mother and stepfather in San Diego. He plans to visit his father's family to feel connected to his Mexican roots. The National City, where his father grew up, is a predominantly Hispanic town south of San Diego. A boy from a private school who likes to spend his vacations at the beach arrives in a completely unknown city.
Danny realizes he doesn't fit in this community and feels self-conscious. His father's absence greatly impacted Danny's life. Because he thinks his father doesn't like the fact that he has a half-white kid, he blames himself. In the middle of an identity crisis, Danny desperately tries to fit in with his dad's family. Although everyone in the family loves Danny and his cousins adore him. He still feels left out because of his inability to speak Spanish and wants his father's acceptance.
Family
He lives with his mother and stepfather after his parents divorce. He feels abandoned because of his father's absence. His biracial identity causes him to feel uncomfortable around others, and he can not seem to fit in. His father's family opens Danny's eyes to the warmth and love that can exist within a family, and he gradually makes valuable connections with people who help him become the better version of himself. As he discovers his love for baseball and music, he learns them not just to impress his father but for himself.
Personal Growth
Danny becomes friends with a local boy, Uno. He teaches Danny about Mexican culture and helps him discover the differences between Mexican and American cultures. Danny learns to trust others and to believe in himself. As Danny gains confidence, he performs better at baseball. His friendship with Uno helps Danny realize the power of relationships. When he learns he doesn't need his father's approval to find his identity or to fit into any community, his restlessness ends.
