Ethan said, "Look, Ma, no hands," and Noah said, "Look, Ma, no legs," and Nadia thought, "Sometimes people need a lift between switches," and Julian said nothing but rubbed the little ivory monkey in his pocket.
The Souls made a commitment to support Mrs. Olinski, and they live up to their commitment.
Sensitivity to social issues in society is another major theme in The View From Saturday. Konigsburg presents the concept of diversity, from the viewpoint of educators, as a fad — something that is only temporarily important or popular. Dr. Rohmer, the District Superintendent of Clarion County, feels enlightened because he has attended a workshop on multiculturalism. He ignorantly informs Mrs. Olinski that "Jews, half-Jews, and WASPs have nothing to do with diversity." Other groups, such as East Indians and handicapped people, also seem to be excluded from diversity. Konigsburg portrays the educators who advocate diversity as people who are using the issue for their own personal advancement rather than for the advancement of diverse groups in society.
Another social issue that Konigsburg portrays is the change that has taken place in the way young people view education, adults, and peers. Mrs. Olinski is shocked to realize that her sixth graders don't seem to be interested in learning. They ask "So what?" instead of "Now what?" When Mrs. Olinski explains to her class that she is a paraplegic, an insensitive student writes the word "cripple" on the chalkboard during the lunch break. Even though Mrs. Olinski's observations allude to the overall impression that sixth graders, and the majority of students in general, do not care about learning, Konigsburg does not leave out the sixth graders who do care about learning. The Souls, members of the Academic Bowl team, spend their free time studying and drilling for the competition. They inspire other students to become involved in the Academic Bowl as spectators because their school is accomplishing an unexpected feat. Suddenly, knowledge becomes popular.
Through the unique journey that each character experiences, Konigsburg explores the question that every human being asks during the course of a lifetime: "Who am I?" She also depicts the interdependence that exists between people as well as the responsibility that everyone has to show kindness to others. Konigsburg also conveys her hope for understanding of all diverse groups and the importance of education.
