In the novel’s final chapters, Jackson’s emotional reunion with his parents continues to develop the theme of The Strength of Family Bonds in Times of Crisis. When Jackson is caught up in the earthquake, his first thoughts are for his parents and Uncle Solly: “Panic tore at Jackson’s insides. Where were Mom and Dad and Uncle Solly? He had to find them, now!” (62). Jackson’s wish comes true when he and his parents finally reunite at a campsite that night. His parents’ devotion to Jackson shows their loving relationship: “They’d walked for hours looking for Jackson. ‘We would have walked forever to find you,’ Mom had said” (71). Jackson and his parents’ concern for each other shows their close bond, which helps them cope with the trauma and upheaval of the earthquake.

The author also deepens her exploration of the theme of The Survivalist Mindset as Jackson tries to use his survival skills to endure the devastating earthquake. By showing how he evaluates his situation, the author paints Jackson as a knowledgeable outdoorsman and self-sufficient person. For instance, when Jackson falls into a fissure in the ground, he tries to think about how he could work to get out of it: “He had to get out of here. But how? He started to take off his backpack. Maybe he could signal with his flashlight. Or use his rope to somehow pull himself up” (60). However, when Jackson realizes that he is injured and alone in a destroyed landscape, his survivalist mindset and goals of self-sufficiency are not enough to help him. The author writes, “A hopeless feeling came over Jackson. His mind started to swirl. Big, hot tears hung in the corners of Jackson’s eyes. He tried to brush them away. Be tough! He scolded himself. Get to work! But his panic only grew” (62). Jackson’s emotional reaction to the trauma of the earthquake adds realism to his character as he tries to process everything he has seen and experienced. Safe at the campsite with his parents and Uncle Solly, Jackson cries with relief and leans on his family’s support. The author writes, “Lately, Jackson had realized that even tough people cried sometimes. Even tough people had nightmares and wanted their moms to stay with them until they fell back to sleep” (71). By emphasizing Jackson’s vulnerability during and after the earthquake, the author underscores that his desire to be “tough” and self-sufficient is not always possible.

Jackson’s experiences show the limitations of his skill set and add depth to the theme of Individualism Versus Community. When Leonor, Nora, Chris, and Mary find Jackson, they collaborate to rescue him and carry him to higher ground. Their generosity surprises Jackson, who assumes that everyone will simply “take care of themselves” and does not expect anyone to help him (65). The children’s actions demonstrate the power of community and the advantage of working together in a team. This experience prompts significant personal change for Jackson, as his fiercely independent nature softens when he realizes the benefits of being part of a community. His inner monologue in the book’s final chapter shows how much his perspective has changed due to his experiences in the earthquake: “But the earthquake had taught Jackson another lesson - that he needed other people, too. He didn’t want to be like a grizzly, a fierce creature living alone. He wanted to be like a wolf, part of a pack” (72). Jackson’s revelations about community and friendship show how the earthquake changed him forever.