What Are The Real Themes For Small Steps?

Friendship~ Friendship truly makes a stand in this book. The fact that Armpit and Ginny are good enough friends that Armpit can share his soft side with Ginny, means that friendship takes a big lead in the novel. Also, the friendship between Kaira and Armpit grows throughout the book.
Betrayal~ Betrayal is obviously a horrible thing. To be one that would turn on someone else, means that the one that you have just disrespected, is a loss of a great friend. There are a couple of characters in this novel that turn on someone. As Kaira's mom trusts El Genius with her whole life, Kaira on the other hand does not like him one bit. In order for a conflict to occur, something has to happen between the characters. In the book, one of those things just happens to be the dreadful theme of betrayal.
Love~ Obviously, the relationship between Kaira and Armpit strengthens throughout the novel. They become better and better friends and the trust between them grows. One thing is for sure, they both liked eachother for who they were and isn't that what love is about? Love takes an important role in this novel because it turns the conflict around.