When you read modern young adult books, discovering and understanding the main ideas can be a lot of fun! Here are some simple tips to help you explore these ideas, along with my thoughts.
A great way to find themes is by noticing things that keep coming back in the story.
This could be special phrases, symbols, or situations that happen more than once.
For example, in "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas, the ideas of voice and silence are super important. By paying attention to how characters react in key moments and how their talks shape who they are, you can figure out what the author is really trying to say.
Characters often show the main themes of the story. Noticing how they grow can help you understand the author's message.
Take "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. The main character, Miles, changes a lot after he faces loss. Looking at his friendships and what he goes through can help you discover bigger themes like love, sadness, and finding meaning in life.
The setting, or where the story happens, can give you hints about the themes.
Whether it's a high school, a magical kingdom, or a scary future, the setting usually shows the main message of the story. For instance, in "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, the strict and controlled setting highlights themes about freedom and being true to yourself vs. just following others. By thinking about how the setting affects the characters and the story, you can better understand the big ideas.
Think about the problems the characters face and how they solve them. This is often where you can find the main themes.
In "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green, the struggles with illness and love lead to deep talks about life and death. By looking at how these problems start and end, you can see what the author wants us to think about being human.
While you read, jot down quotes that catch your eye. These quotes often capture the main themes and messages of the book. After you're done reading, check your notes. A quote from a character about love or loss can help you understand what the author wants to express.
Sometimes, talking about your ideas with friends can help you see things differently. You might find that others notice themes in new ways, which can enhance your understanding. Group discussions can reveal insights you might have missed while reading alone.
In summary, finding themes in modern young adult books is all about engaging with the story in different ways. By noticing patterns, looking at how characters and settings develop, thinking about conflicts, collecting meaningful quotes, and discussing with friends, you can gain a deeper understanding of the themes in the story. So the next time you pick up a young adult novel, try these strategies and let your skills shine!
When you read modern young adult books, discovering and understanding the main ideas can be a lot of fun! Here are some simple tips to help you explore these ideas, along with my thoughts.
A great way to find themes is by noticing things that keep coming back in the story.
This could be special phrases, symbols, or situations that happen more than once.
For example, in "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas, the ideas of voice and silence are super important. By paying attention to how characters react in key moments and how their talks shape who they are, you can figure out what the author is really trying to say.
Characters often show the main themes of the story. Noticing how they grow can help you understand the author's message.
Take "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. The main character, Miles, changes a lot after he faces loss. Looking at his friendships and what he goes through can help you discover bigger themes like love, sadness, and finding meaning in life.
The setting, or where the story happens, can give you hints about the themes.
Whether it's a high school, a magical kingdom, or a scary future, the setting usually shows the main message of the story. For instance, in "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, the strict and controlled setting highlights themes about freedom and being true to yourself vs. just following others. By thinking about how the setting affects the characters and the story, you can better understand the big ideas.
Think about the problems the characters face and how they solve them. This is often where you can find the main themes.
In "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green, the struggles with illness and love lead to deep talks about life and death. By looking at how these problems start and end, you can see what the author wants us to think about being human.
While you read, jot down quotes that catch your eye. These quotes often capture the main themes and messages of the book. After you're done reading, check your notes. A quote from a character about love or loss can help you understand what the author wants to express.
Sometimes, talking about your ideas with friends can help you see things differently. You might find that others notice themes in new ways, which can enhance your understanding. Group discussions can reveal insights you might have missed while reading alone.
In summary, finding themes in modern young adult books is all about engaging with the story in different ways. By noticing patterns, looking at how characters and settings develop, thinking about conflicts, collecting meaningful quotes, and discussing with friends, you can gain a deeper understanding of the themes in the story. So the next time you pick up a young adult novel, try these strategies and let your skills shine!