A prominent theme in this text is the value of diversity and the importance of not hastily dismissing another culture or perspective. Creech highlights this through the varied cultural backgrounds of her characters. Initially, Dinnie is reluctant to move to Switzerland and feels as though she has been abducted. She is also daunted by the language barriers. However, as the narrative unfolds, she begins to embrace her classmates' differences to the extent that she no longer consciously perceives them as "foreign." She comes to appreciate the individuality of each person.

Through her friend Lila, Dinnie observes the negative consequences of being closed off to new experiences. Lila, an American like Dinnie, despises the boarding school. She struggles with her Spanish roommate, Belen, unable to tolerate sharing space with someone who isn't American. When she can't change rooms, she complains about the food, the mandatory community service, and the sports requirements. Dinnie finds it particularly enlightening when she sees that Lila attributes specific annoying habits to different nationalities. Creech illustrates how this viewpoint, which deems all non-American cultures as inferior, is problematic. Consequently, neither the other characters nor the readers sympathize with Lila's constant troubles. Although Dinnie disapproves of Lila's mindset, she values Lila's courage to express her thoughts and feelings openly. Guthrie, Dinnie's other key American friend, offers a stark contrast to Lila and is intriguingly the romantic interest of both girls. Dinnie admires his zest for life and his fondness for the Italian language, even when he occasionally misuses words. He encourages her to focus on the positive in any situation and to understand that she can control her attitude. He also helps her to see beyond Lila's behavior and not simply disregard her as others do.

Belen, a girl from Spain, and Keisuke, a boy from Japan, are among Dinnie's closest friends who aren't American. They share a romantic relationship at school but must keep it hidden from their parents, who disapprove of interracial dating. This situation highlights an ironic contrast in Creech's narrative: while the children embrace diversity, most adults in the story do not. The children thrive in an environment that fosters appreciation for one another. However, Belen and Keisuke's parents prefer them to marry within their own cultures and disapprove of their relationship. Lila's parents are quite controlling, possibly due to her complaints, and demand that Lila receives special treatment. This is particularly evident when Lila is hospitalized after an avalanche; her parents express frustration over not being informed about the ski trip, sharing a hospital room, and having to read foreign magazines. In contrast, Dinnie's Uncle Max and Aunt Sandy are accepting of differences, which makes them effective in their roles at the school.

Another key theme in the novel is the significance of struggle, especially in the context of learning. Dinnie begins to realize how her experiences are shaping her. One professor employs a unique teaching method by not assigning written homework; instead, students are encouraged to go home and think. They even spend three days in class discussing how to evaluate thinking itself! Dinnie finds her classes intellectually stimulating and enjoys contemplating why others have certain thoughts. She also grapples with her own beliefs and perspectives. Dinnie initially considers herself average and unremarkable but eventually comes to understand that those who struggle and question life, rather than taking it for granted, are truly fascinating. Creech encourages readers to resist simply following the crowd and instead engage with life's challenges and ideas. It is significant that the protagonist is female, as Creech advocates for women to participate in this quest for understanding and...