Bullying

Bullying is a constant motif throughout the novel as Marcus and Charlie are willing to torment Henry for their own amusement. However, the author uses Charlie’s shift and Ms. Faraci shows Henry and the reader that the pain is temporary and only those who care for Henry matter in the long run. This is meant to be encouraging while also acknowledging that this suffering is not okay.

Charlie’s version of bullying is immature and occasionally abusive, but it is clear that he comes to recognize that he has wronged Henry as he tries to make it better. At the beginning of the novel, Charlie searches for any way to harm his brother, usually in an emotional way. That is why he spread the rumor of Henry’s abductions or why he tells their mother whenever Henry tries to do something she might not appreciate...