What are the motifs in Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah?

Ambition is a recurring idea. Adeline has a great deal of ambition, though it is initially fostered by her Aunt Baba. Aunt Baba urges Adeline to learn all that she can, saying that knowledge is the one thing that can never be taken from Adeline. Aunt Baba also tells Adeline that having the best education she can achieve will get her away from her stepmother's dictatorial household and allow her to be independent.