The main conflict in the book is that Willow has a hard time getting along with anyone throughout the story because she is so different. Additionally, Willow tries to get her eccentric personality back after her parents pass away. Many people in the story contribute to comforting her, and trying to resolve the problem. Pattie loves and cares for Willow, and tries to comfort her by hosting her in her shelter, even though it is only a garage. "People usually find a good place for stray dogs, or for the elderly when they can no longer go up stairs or use a can opener. Finding a good place for a kid seems like a much bigger challenge." (Sloan 169) Willow shows her appreciation for Pattie through that quote because she realizes that it is not easy to be a foster parent.
Another main conflict is that the diverse characters in the book all need someone to rely on, and they all have to figure out ways to rely on one another to make everyone's life easier. Whether it be Jairo relying on Willow, or Willow relying on Mai, they all have to figure out a plan to connect their very different lives. "For a brief moment, because everything in this room is so different, I forget that I don't have a mother or a father or a place to call home." (Sloan 216) The author portrays that because of the diversity, Willow is able to find new happiness in her life.
Another main conflict is that the diverse characters in the book all need someone to rely on, and they all have to figure out ways to rely on one another to make everyone's life easier. Whether it be Jairo relying on Willow, or Willow relying on Mai, they all have to figure out a plan to connect their very different lives. "For a brief moment, because everything in this room is so different, I forget that I don't have a mother or a father or a place to call home." (Sloan 216) The author portrays that because of the diversity, Willow is able to find new happiness in her life.