Content Warning: This source text depicts bullying and insensitive remarks about mental health.

The book’s title indicates its primary theme, the search for belonging. As the students call Cooper “Whatshisface,” they highlight Cooper’s alienation. He doesn’t have a proper name because he doesn’t have a place in the community. Isolated, Cooper feels like he doesn’t belong. The narrator thus states, “Cooper Vega is invisible” (1). To become visible, Cooper has to stand up for himself and use his voice. Roddy tells him, “Thou must speak up for thy honor” (52). He has to counter Brock: the bully who constantly makes him feel like he will never belong. He also has to share his feelings with Jolie.

After Cooper unexpectedly gets the part of Romeo and excels at it, he earns widespread social acceptance. The narrator notes, “Sixth graders treat him like a hero. Eighth graders talk to him. He belongs” (173). Yet Cooper realizes that praise, popularity, and attention are not, on their own, enough to make him happy.

The theme then pivots from a focus on basic belonging—which implies external validation—to an emphasis on strong internal self-validation and a desire to maintain substantive relationships. By taking on the role of Romeo, helping Roddy, and opening up with Jolie, Cooper not only defines his personal character, he also begins to reap the rewards of healthy emotional intimacy with others.