What are the motifs in When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead?

Aspirations are a recurring idea in this story. Miranda's mother began law school with the hopes of one day being a good lawyer. However, in her first year, Miranda's mother was forced to drop out of school because of the birth of her only child. Miranda's mother now works as a receptionist in a law office, a job that is unsatisfying and frustrating. For this reason, Miranda's mother focuses on becoming a contestant on The $20,000 Pyramid because it gives her something to dream about, something bigger than her dead end life. In the end, Miranda and Richard, her mother's boyfriend, recognize this about Miranda's mother and encourage her to take the winnings from the game show to continue her law education.