Content Warning: This section discusses bullying, violence, and a cave in. 

Throughout the novel, the characters face many obstacles, both as they navigate the cave and challenge Bo’s cruelty. Ultimately, the characters are best able to overcome these challenges when they work cooperatively, looking to each other for support, guidance, and a unified purpose.

Over the span of 24 hours, the characters encounter challenges on multiple fronts: Not only are they the target of Bo’s greed, but they also find themselves in a mysterious cave, with no clear escape plan. Such challenges seem naturally daunting, and even Gus wonders, rhetorically, “So what does one do when a mine starts to cave in on them?” (71). However, the characters act quickly, and as they brave the cave and their bully, they realize that their strength lies in cooperation. For instance, when Matthew slips into a crevice, they decide to coat him in Twinkies filling and cooperatively pull him to freedom: “Just go limp and let Jessie and me pull you up,” Rossi instructs (118). The plan proves successful. 

The group adopts a similar approach as they mount their long-awaited escape: They hoist each other up and through a rock shaft, with “someone at the top to help pull and someone down […] to help push” (203).