Libraries are special places.
Libraries are given to Tricia Ann as a place of solace and sanctuary, an oasis in a world of injustice and foolishness. In the Nashville Public Library, Tricia is not treated differently for being black. The library becomes like a temple for the formation of her character. As a reader, Tricia will become powerful, despite the world trying to keep her oppressed.
The correct response to injustice.
The story asks the reader to confront difficult injustices, and although there is encouragement to stay positive and to stay confident, the answers are left unsolved for the most part. That's because racism and systemic injustice aren't problems that any one person can solve. The entire community solves the problem little by little, by showing Tricia the problem, and then encouraging her to work on herself in the library. Education is a solution.
The importance of community.
Although Tricia Ann might think she's alone, she's really not. When she's around people, even when things are scary and difficult, there are people around to help her when it matters most. There is an entire community urging her to stay pure in a world that wants to contaminate her with its hatred.
