What are the motifs in Dope Sick by Walter Dean Myers?

Second chances are a recurring idea. The end of the novel leaves Lil J with a second chance. Lil J's life is not altered very much. Lil J still lives with his alcoholic mother, still has a son he is not allowed to see, and still has a criminal record that could stop him from getting a good job. However, Lil J is no longer wanted for shooting a cop.