Jacob’s age sets the novel up to be a good coming of age story, particularly because he is misunderstood. Abraham peppers Jacob with fantastical stories that get him in trouble with his classmates and, eventually, his family. Witnessing his role model’s death places a burden on Jacob, a burden he must overcome. It is the journey to overcome the burden and mystery of his grandfather’s death that provides the backdrop for Jacob’s coming of age story. At the start of the novel, he is scared, unsure, and untrusting. However, he evolves, with occasional slips, to become brave, confident, and trusting. The end of the novel solidifies this coming of age theme by providing Jacob a chance to choose between the easy path (going home) and the hard one (leaving with the peculiar children). He completes the cycle by going with his new friends.

Family is a huge theme throughout the book. Abraham’s family is taken and killed by the Nazis. His adopted family is accosted by the hollowgast. It is his strong feelings for family that drive him out of the loop and to war. Additionally, it is family that prevents him from going back to the loop later. Despite his poor relationship with his son, Abraham works hard to build a relationship with Jacob, a relationship that becomes the foundation for an incredible journey.