What are the motifs in The Road to Memphis by Mildred Taylor?

A major subplot is Cassie's coming of age when she meets Solomon. She is already committing herself to gaining her higher education before marriage, a route that her mother had taken, before the meeting. She examines her feelings for Moe, and although she finds him attractive as a friend, he stirs no romantic feelings in her. Part of this is practical. She does not believe Moe will be anything more than a share-cropper farmer. She wants a better life, possibly as a lawyer who might be influential in forming the laws to better empower black people.