That actions have consequences is the central theme of Whirligig. This theme is developed over and over as Brent travels to the four corners of the country to fulfill the request of Lea Zamora's mother. Good consequences follow the placement of the whirligigs just as surely as bad consequences follow Brent's reckless driving.

A second theme is isolation. Teens sometimes feel isolated from their peers. It may be for real or imagined reasons. Brent feels isolation because of frequent moves, making him the new kid. He seeks ways to fit in and avoid sticking out. Trying to fit in results in humiliation, something no one wants to experience, especially teens. Brent loses that sense of isolation through his encounters with various travelers and the new ways of thinking he gains from them.

He no longer feels the need to be a part of the "in crowd...