What are the motifs in Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza?

Industrialization is a factor that runs in the background through much of the story. Ernie and his family are directly affected, both positively and negatively, by the ongoing development of the rail lines throughout Mexico and California. On one side, the rail line provides Gustavo and Josy with regular employment over a period of several years. Once Gustavo is laid off from the sugar mill in Tepic, the rail line labor recruiter brings the Galarzas an answer to their immediate problem of making of living. Both Gustavo and Josy accept this new venture as a doorway to a better future where they will finally be reunited with the Lopez's.