What are the main themes in the collection, Meet the Austins?

The themes that run through Meet the Austins concern the family and the individual. L'Engle believes in the importance of a stable family life to give children a sense of security. A loving and accepting family allows children to develop as individuals. Dr. and Mrs. Austin firmly restrict their children's behavior, but they also appreciate the individual gifts of each child and encourage each to develop to his or her potential. The parents foster responsibility in the children by insisting they do homework before playing and by giving each child jobs to do around the house. Despite the inevitable fusses between siblings, the children enjoy close relationships with one another that are firmly based on honesty and loyalty. The novel consciously promotes the values necessary for people to live well with each other in loving and trusting relationships.