What are the motifs in Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix?

A large portion of the book is used to show the differences between 1996 and 1840. As Jessie travels through time she discovers many things have changed. New things have been invented and the ideas of people have changed. One startling difference that is continually brought up is the difference between the children of 1996 and 1840. Jessie notices that the 1996 kids get cool clothes, nice school buses, and have interesting ways to speak. They also seem to be more advanced than Jessie is. From joining their tour group, she learns that the 1996 children seem incredibly rude and quick to run their mouths. She does not like the way that they make fun of her family and friends.