Theme of Transformation in Flipped by Van Draanen

Thematic Statement: A key theme in Van Draanen's book "Flipped" is transformation. Transformation is important because at any given moment in your life people or relationships can change. Also, because you can grow and change to be a better person. 

Throughout the novel “Flipped” it is shown that transformation can affect young individuals going through life. In chapter 1, Lynetta was showing Juliana around the house while trying to find Bryce. According to the text Bryce says, “I wedged myself up on the top shelf of my closet, and lucky for me, neither of them looked up” (Draanen 5). Furthermore, in chapter 5, Bryce had just got caught with the eggs and now feels horrible. According to the text Bryce says, “I went down to my room to pack my stuff for school, feeling like the biggest jerk to ever it the planet” (Draanen 62). Van Draanen uses this to develop the theme of transformation because Bryce’s perspective changed for Juliana. At the start Bryce did not like Juliana because she would be literally stalking him. Then at the end of the book Bryce had a sudden change of heart, he felt bad. It develops the theme because not only did his perspective change, but he also wanted to become a better person to Juliana. In conclusion, Van Draanen tries to explain the importance of being kind but mostly the importance of transformation.

Another example of transformation is that it can affect your life and your social interaction with other peers. In chapter 2, Juliana is fantasizing about Bryce saying how much she loves him. According to the text Juliana says, “The first day I met Bryce Loski, I flipped. Honestly, one look at him and I became lunatic” (Draanen 11). Furthermore, in chapter 8 Juliana is stating that she is angry at Bryce. According to the text Juliana says, “Inside I was so angry and hurt and embarrassed that I didn’t even feel like me” (Draanen 108). Van Draanen uses this to develop the theme of transformation because Juliana’s perspective changed for Bryce. At the start Juliana loved Bryce she would fantasize about him every day and until he threw away her eggs without her knowing for months. Later in the book Juliana started to dislike Bryce because he threw away her eggs. Bryce was trying to say sorry, but Juliana would not accept it. Juliana was now not so social with the people around her because Champ died, the sycamore tree got cut down and then the eggs, she has been severely hurt inside. In conclusion, Van Draanen has taught us the importance to being better person and not letting anything in your past bring you down.