What is the theme in Give a Boy a Gun by Todd Strasser?

Another one of the primary themes that run throughout the novel is growing up and coming of age, even against adversity, such as bullying by classmates or not fitting into the popular crowd. In some way, each of the characters learns lessons about growing up and dealing with responsibilities in life. Each of the characters also learns to face the adverse affects of going through the normal stress and situations that occur in high schools all across the country.