Literary works do more than entertain - they shape lives and offer sanctuary. Through Lucy's deep connection to the Clock Island series and her mission to share this love with her students, the novel explores how books can heal wounds, build bridges, and create lasting impacts on readers of all ages. This theme resonates particularly through Lucy's own journey from a lonely child finding comfort in stories to an adult fighting for her dreams.

The story delves deep into what truly constitutes a family. Through Lucy's desire to adopt Christopher and the relationships formed during the competition, the novel challenges traditional family definitions. It demonstrates how meaningful connections can emerge from shared experiences and mutual understanding, rather than just biological ties, while exploring the healing power of chosen families.

At its core, the novel examines how our deepest desires can lead us down unexpected paths. The competition serves as a metaphor for life's pursuit of dreams, showing how what we think we want might not be what we truly need. Through Lucy's journey, readers learn that the true value often lies not in the wish itself, but in the growth and discoveries made while pursuing it.