A message about life or
human nature that a writer
wants you to understand.
Theme vs. Topic
 A topic can be summed up in a word or two,
like “taking risks”.
 A theme is the message about a topic, and
it takes a complete sentence to state it.
 EX: “Life’s biggest rewards come from taking
risks.”
Theme in poetry
Little Sister by Nikki Grimes
little sister
holds on tight.
My hands hurt
from all that squeezing,
but I don’t mind.
She thinks no one will bother her
when I’m around
and they won’t
if I can help it.
And even when I can’t
I try
‘cause she believes in me.
Answer the question.
How does the little sister rely on
the speaker in the poem?
Discuss with your group.
Answer the question.
How does the speaker feel about
his or her sister?
Discuss with your group.
Focus your reading:
Reread the exerpt from the end
of the poem:
“And even when I can’t
I try
‘cause she believes in me.”
Which statement best expresses the theme in
the poem?
 A. When family members believe in you, it
makes you stronger.
 B. Families should spend more time
together.
A is correct!
Directions:
Study each of the following images
from popular movies and discuss
with your group what the theme of
each movie is.
The Wizard of Oz
There’s no place
like home
Shrek
Beauty is in the eye of
the beholder
Spiderman
With great power comes great
responsibility.
Karate Kid
Believe in yourself-no matter
what
Drumline
The team matters more
than the individual
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Life is easier
with good friends