Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols and motifs present throughout The Book Thief. Students can explore this by identifying a theme, symbol or motif themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text. Teachers may ask students to identify multiple themes, or illustrate multiple examples of a single theme.
Themes in The Book Thief
- The Holocaust
- War
- Friendship
- Love
- Identity
- Suffering
- Courage
- Literature and Writing
- Family
- Prejudice and Dehumanization
- Kindness
- Criminality
- Hope
- Survival
- Bullies
- Death and Mortality
Symbols and Motifs
- The Gravedigger's Handbook
- Hitler
- The Accordion
- The Yellow Jewish Star
- Books
- Colors
- Food
Template and Class Instructions
(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, symbols or motifs found in The Book Thief. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols or motifs from The Book Thief you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
Activity Overview
There are many themes, symbols and motifs present throughout The Book Thief. Students can explore this by identifying a theme, symbol or motif themselves or, in an “envelope activity” being given one or more to track throughout their reading. Then, students will create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text. Teachers may ask students to identify multiple themes, or illustrate multiple examples of a single theme.
Themes in The Book Thief
- The Holocaust
- War
- Friendship
- Love
- Identity
- Suffering
- Courage
- Literature and Writing
- Family
- Prejudice and Dehumanization
- Kindness
- Criminality
- Hope
- Survival
- Bullies
- Death and Mortality
Symbols and Motifs
- The Gravedigger's Handbook
- Hitler
- The Accordion
- The Yellow Jewish Star
- Books
- Colors
- Food
Template and Class Instructions
(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, symbols or motifs found in The Book Thief. Illustrate each symbol and write a short description below each cell.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the themes, symbols or motifs from The Book Thief you wish to include and type them in the title box at the top.
- Create an image for examples that represent each symbol using appropriate scenes, characters and items.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified symbols. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified symbols. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified symbols. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the symbols and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the symbols but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the symbols. |
How Tos about Themes and Motifs in The Book Thief
Organize a classroom theme-tracking chart for collaborative analysis
Set up a chart on your board or wall where students can record and monitor different themes, symbols, or motifs as they read. This visual tool helps students spot patterns, stay engaged, and share discoveries.
Assign student roles for tracking themes during reading
Give each student or group a specific theme, symbol, or motif to follow as they read. This focused responsibility encourages active reading and ensures all key ideas are covered.
Schedule regular class check-ins to discuss findings
Pause after each major reading section for students to share new examples or insights. This routine fosters discussion, reinforces learning, and helps clarify misunderstandings.
Display and update examples with student input
Add the best examples and explanations to your chart or digital board as students share them. Highlighting student contributions builds confidence and keeps the chart useful for review.
Reflect on theme development at the end of the unit
Guide students to review the full chart and discuss how themes, symbols, and motifs evolved throughout the story. This wrap-up deepens understanding and connects analysis to larger ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Themes and Motifs in The Book Thief
What are the main themes in The Book Thief?
The Book Thief explores themes such as the Holocaust, war, friendship, love, identity, suffering, courage, literature, family, prejudice, kindness, hope, and survival. Each theme is woven through the story and can be found in the actions and growth of the characters.
How can I teach students to identify motifs and symbols in The Book Thief?
Guide students to look for recurring objects, phrases, or ideas (like books, colors, or the accordion) as they read. Using activities such as envelope tasks or storyboard assignments helps students track and illustrate these motifs and symbols with evidence from the text.
What is a good classroom activity for teaching themes in The Book Thief?
An effective activity is to have students create a storyboard that illustrates examples of themes, symbols, or motifs from the novel. Students can draw scenes, use quotes, and write brief descriptions to show their understanding.
Which symbols are important in The Book Thief and what do they represent?
Important symbols include The Gravedigger's Handbook (loss and learning), the accordion (hope and memory), the yellow Jewish star (prejudice), books (power of words), and colors (emotions, death’s perspective).
How do I help students compare different themes or motifs in The Book Thief?
Encourage students to identify multiple themes or motifs and discuss how they interact or contrast in the story. Using graphic organizers or class discussions helps students deepen their analysis and understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Book Thief, The
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
