A theme is a central idea, subject, or message in a story. Many stories have more than one important theme. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that identifies and illustrates the themes in Lily’s Crossing.
Throughout the book, Lily finds herself telling lies and getting lost in the lies that she has told. This constantly worries her, and she wonders why she lies. Lily learns that her big lies can get her in trouble, and even be dangerous to herself and others.
Lily has two close friends in the novel, Margaret and Albert. When Lily first meets Albert, she thinks he’s strange and does not want to get to know him. She learns that he is a true friend and their friendship evolves and grows throughout the story.
Lily and Albert both have lost family members, but continue to have a strong family value. The love and bond of family is consistent throughout the novel.
Lily and Albert have both experienced grief, and this makes them closer. The theme of grief is present a great deal in many ways: losing family, missing people, the toll of war, and fear of losing loved ones.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in Lily's Crossing. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
Start with an open-ended question about the story's main ideas. This encourages students to think critically and share their interpretations.
Write 2–3 guiding questions for each major theme, such as honesty or friendship. Having prompts ready keeps the conversation focused and inclusive.
Ask students to share examples from their own experiences that relate to the story's themes. This deepens understanding and makes learning personal.
Create a chart or mind map on the board showing how events and characters link to each theme. Visuals help students organize ideas and see patterns.
Have each student write one sentence about which theme in Lily's Crossing stood out to them and why. This closes the discussion and provides insight into student thinking.
Lily's Crossing explores several key themes including honesty, friendship, family, and grief. These themes help students understand the characters’ actions and the story’s deeper messages.
Students can identify themes by looking for recurring ideas, events, and character experiences throughout the book. Creating a storyboard that highlights examples and provides descriptions helps make these themes clear.
A storyboard activity involves students selecting major themes, illustrating scenes that represent each theme, and writing a short description. This visual approach makes it easier to understand and discuss literary themes.
Honesty is central because Lily often struggles with telling the truth. Her journey shows students the consequences of lying and emphasizes why being truthful matters for personal growth and relationships.
Lily's Crossing theme activities are designed for students in grades 4–6, making them ideal for upper elementary and early middle school classrooms.