Character development in this story centers on Billy, a boy who is deeply influenced by the idea of his father, even though his father hasn’t been a part of his life since Billy was two. Billy still wants to be like his father and keeps a photo of him on the wall. His father was a racer, and Billy hopes to impress him by winning a bike race, developing the theme of A Son’s Need for His Father’s Approval. After Billy’s bike is stolen, he remains devoted to finding it since he sees it as a means to gain his father’s attention. He goes to the police station every day to check if it’s been found, and he later confronts an older boy when he sees him riding it. Billy’s actions and persistence demonstrate his deep desire to be seen, approved of, and remembered by a father he barely knows.

The story’s style is clear and unadorned, echoing Billy’s youthful perspective and straightforward desires. While it is less metaphorically layered than others in the collection, Avi still includes moments of vivid imagery during moments of emotional significance. During the Memorial Day scene, the sky is described as “a deep blue with a few fluffy clouds moving along like lazy sheep, the air as mellow as warm pancake syrup” (61). This comforting and serene image contrasts with the emotional turbulence Billy feels, highlighting how his external calm hides inner grief.  

This story pairs its exploration of father-son dynamics with the theme of The Feeling of Home. Billy and his mother are living with financial strain and dream of a better home and stability, which is represented by their desire for a kitchen table. For his mother, a small kitchen table signifies modest comfort for two, but Billy imagines having a larger, expandable table, suggesting he is still reserving space for his father. This hopeful vision shows Billy’s longing for connection, belonging, and recognition, while also hinting that his mother has accepted his father’s absence from their lives.

The story also dramatizes Coming of Age Through Change, Loss, and Acceptance as the story’s initial hopeful and light-hearted tone shifts toward disappointment and awareness. Billy’s mother tells him he has to win the race to contribute to their house fund, connecting the dream of a home to the dream of his father’s approval. Billy is filled with excitement and joy as he rides around town, showing off and admiring his beloved bike, with his “eyes on the bike—very happy” (46). The story takes a turn when the bike is stolen, sending Billy into a period of frustration and loss. He sees his bike twice, once before the race, and once at the race itself, but can’t get it back. Despite this, Billy’s integrity and sense of justice prevent him from accepting the winner’s trophy, knowing he didn’t earn it. In the end, his mother decides they should get a bigger kitchen table, recognizing how deeply Billy longs to be acknowledged and how strongly he still holds onto the idea of a complete family. While his father is still absent, she leaves room for Billy to continue hoping.

The symbols and motifs in this story reinforce the themes. The second-hand bike is a symbol of freedom, pride, and Billy’s connection to his father, however vague and distant. Billy’s careful attention to every detail of the bike signals his pride as well as his vulnerability: “[H]e straddled the bike, touched fingers to the frame, bounced the seat, and checked the brakes” (45). Its color, “a splendid fire-engine red” (43), reflects its importance to Billy. His love for the bike, scratches and all, leads him to say, “Nobody’s perfect. You have to learn to forgive” (48), a sentiment that refers to his attitude about his father.