Tarantulas

Tarantulas are symbolic of Aven's mother, and Aven's undefined quest to know who her mother was. Inside the storage shed that sparks her desire to solve the mystery are many sketches of tarantulas and though she tries to spot a tarantula throughout the novel, she is unsuccessful until the very end of the story. At this point, Aven has heard the story about her roots and accepted the nature of her childhood. She is now prepared to come face to face with the tarantula, an event that prepares her to face her future with confidence.

Spaghetti

The llama, Spaghetti, represents the uncanny empathy displayed by people who have endured unthinkable suffering. He is also a symbol for the importance of true friendship. Spaghetti is the first friend Aven makes when she arrives in Arizona, and although many people at the park would like to put him...