ThemeRave Form Introduction

What is Theme?• The message(s) or lesson(s) the author wants you to learn from the story.

Common Topics for Theme—Big Ideas

• Courage• Dreams • Kindness• Fears• Identity (being

yourself)• Equality • Hope• Acceptance

• Differences• Friendship • Hard work • Honesty• Love • Family• Jealousy• Never giving

up• Peace

• Overcoming Adversity

• Sacrifice• Death• Change• The power

of words• Freedom

Essential Questions: Identifying Themes

• What did the characters learn?• How did the characters grow or

change?• Why did the characters act this

way?• What did the author want readers

to think about?• What idea stayed with you

throughout the story?

Concrete Details• The theme being expressed in this

section (chapter) is__________ because the text says _________.

• The main theme the author is trying to portray in this novel is ___________ because ___________.

• One issue the book explores is___________ because ____________________________.

MLA Novel CitationLast name, First name. Title of Book. City of

Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication.Korman, Gordon. No More Dead Dogs. New

York: Hyperion for Children, 2000. Print.

Parts of a Summary • Who is in the story? (Main and

Important Secondary Characters)• Where does the story take place?

(Setting)• What is the main problem? (Conflict)• Synopsis (brief outline) of rising

action, climax, and falling action.• How do the characters solve the

conflict? (Resolution)

“Presto” SummaryIn Pixar’s short film “Presto,” a magician and his rabbit prepare for a magic show. Alec, the rabbit, is hungry, but Presto, the magician, will not give him a carrot until after the show. Alec refuses to perform which leads to chaos and trouble on stage for the magician. In the end, Alec saves Presto from a dangerous fall, resulting in a spectacular trick. Presto rewards Alec with a carrot and everyone is happy again.