2. Good authors write about universal topics These are topics that anyone can relate to The topic is not told to the reader directly The character’s problems are a hint to the topic

3. FAMILY LOVE FRIENDSHIP GROWING UP SELF IMAGE INDIVIDUALITY PREJUDICE LOSS ACCEPTANCE HEALING MOVING

4. Good readers look for the theme of a book. The topic leads you to the theme. The theme is the author’s message about the topic. It is the big idea of the book. The theme needs to be inferred using evidence, or clues, from the text. The theme is developed throughout the book, but usually can’t be determined until the end.

5. How do Universal Topics relate to Themes? Topic: Family Possible themes: (author’s opinion about the topic) –There is not one type of family –A family is any people who care for you –It can be hard to find your place in the family –Sometimes families don’t know how to show their love. –You can always count on your family

6. You Try it Topic: Acceptance/Fitting In Possible themes:

7. Notice the topics and big ideas. Notice anything that is Unusual, Repeated, or Surprising- it might be a clue! Notice what the characters say and do. Notice what lesson the characters learn or how they grow.

8. Flowers and Freckle Cream For example, in “Flowers and Freckle Cream”, one topic is acceptance. The author is saying that we should accept ourselves for who we are. What universal topic is the author addressing in Rules? What is the author’s message about that topic?