Coming of Age

One of the other primary themes that run throughout the novel is growing up and coming of age. Peter struggles with the fact that he is an orphan, but believes that his baby sister is still alive out in the world. While Peter is only ten years old, he is really wise beyond his years. Even at a young age, he has had to deal with the loss of both of his parents and his sister. Peter deals with the consequences in life that comes with uncover the truth from the lies Vilna Lutz has been telling him his whole life.

Peter also faces having to do the right thing in life. He recognizes that the elephant doesn't belong in Baltese. This is why Peter works so hard and effortlessly to do his part to get the elephant back to where she belongs. Peter also takes...