comment on theme

Coming of age is a common theme in the young adult genre. In this novel, the theme is demonstrated through the main character of Jim Hawkins. As a 13-year-old, Jim is at the perfect age to begin showing signs of maturing, even before he is cast back in time to the ancient land of the Nephites. While Jim's sister (Jenny) and his friend (Garth) have similar experiences and are likely change and mature over this time as well, Jim's signs of maturing are more obvious because he is the narrator. Evidence of Jim's coming of age include that he stands up to peer pressure, learns how to be a friend, and accepts his responsibility as an older brother.