Ladybug

Pop's VW Bug, named Ladybug, is symbolic of longing. Throughout the novel, the car remains parked in Diamond's driveway. Ladybug is a constant reminder of her father's absence. Diamond often sits in the car and talks to Pop, too. This pastime illustrates how much Diamond misses her father and longs for a connection with him.

Wedding Photo

Ma and Pop's wedding photo is symbolic of Diamond's past. The photo grants her access to a part of her parents' life that she knows little about. Furthermore, the picture helps Diamond to recognize her resemblance to Aunt Clara, and thus to understand her connection to her Black family and ancestral past.

Bike

Diamond's bike is symbolic of childhood. At the novel's beginning, Diamond lets go of the bike by leaving it outside of CVS. She hopes that someone will take it because this is Diamond's way of saying...