[Kloie's MOM]

I am writing a Thematic Analysis paper of this book. I am trying to select a theme and write a thesis also. I am trying to brainstorm some ideas. Any suggestions are welcomed!

[Wondergirl]

Is this for a Kiddie Lit class? School Library Journal says this about the book: Grade 4-7. Refused passage in 1919 because she has ringworm, a young Jewish girl from Russia battles supercilious officials and yards of red tape before she is finally reunited with her family in America. Historical fiction with a memorable heroine, a vivid sense of place, and a happily-ever-after ending.

***ADDED*** Or are you a mom helping one of your kids in middle school with this? It makes a big difference because it affects how you approach the assignment and write the paper.

[Kloie's MOM]

Thank you for responding. I am actually a college student working on a paper for my Children's Literature class.

[Wondergirl]

Thank you for responding. I am actually a college student working on a paper for my Children's Literature class.

1. Have you read the book?
2. Tell me about the assignment.
a. How long is the paper supposed to be?
b. Is there an official design to follow?
3. When is it due?
4. Have you made an outline for the paper?
5. Have you done any work at all on the paper?

[Kloie's MOM]

Hello,
1. I read the book.
2.My assignment is to write a Thematic Analysis over the book including a theme, thesis and subject. It must be
a. 4-6 pages
b. There is no official design to follow.
3. It is due tomorrow
4. I have made an outline.
5. I have wrote my booktalk and my summary of the book.

[Kloie's MOM]

I should add I have only wrote one other Thematic Analysis paper before and that was in High School.

[Wondergirl]

Hello,
1. I read the book.
2.My assignment is to write a Thematic Analysis over the book including a theme, thesis and subject. It must be
a. 4-6 pages
b. There is no official design to follow.
3. It is due tomorrow
4. I have made an outline.
5. I have wrote my booktalk and my summary of the book.

Very good! Do you have any ideas on what you want to use as a theme or thesis?

[Kloie's MOM]

Here is a main idea I would like to include in my paper. I am not exactly sure if it would be my theme or thesis. When faced with injustice and hardships,
Resilient individuals overcome obstacles in their lives through their perseverance and belief in their own abilities. Traits possessed by resilient individuals who overcome great odds include: self-reliance, self-discipline, perseverance, and self-preservation. Other resilient traitsmay be evident such as problem-solving, internal focus of control, seeking alternative courses of action, resourcefulness, and others.

[Wondergirl]

Here is a main idea I would like to include in my paper. I am not exactly sure if it would be my theme or thesis. When faced with injustice and hardships,
resilient individuals overcome obstacles in their lives through their perseverance and belief in their own abilities. Traits possessed by resilient individuals who overcome great odds include: self-reliance, self-discipline, perseverance, and self-preservation. Other resilient traitsmay be evident such as problem-solving, internal focus of control, seeking alternative courses of action, resourcefulness, and others.

Omit the colon in the second sentence.

Your theme or thesis would involve (based on what you wrote) Rifka as a survivor of many perils.

[Kloie's MOM]

Would you say my theme would be overcoming hardships?

[Wondergirl]

Would you say my theme would be overcoming hardships?

Yes. Your thesis would be a statement that incorporates that idea specific to Rifka and the book. What you wrote so far sounds like it would be in the introduction/introductory paragraph. Your outline would support and be based on the thesis statement. (The outline is extremely important. It will guide your writing of the analysis.)

[Kloie's MOM]

Thank you very much. I now have a better understanding on how to write my paper. :)

[Wondergirl]

Thank you very much. I now have a better understanding on how to write my paper. :)

If you need more help, I will be online and checking in here most of the evening until about 1 a.m. CDT. I'm a former teacher, librarian for 30 years, a counselor, and have written a ton of papers. Best wishes!