Explore the novel’s themes of Sacrifice as Declarations of Devotion, Society’s Failure to Care for People in Need, and Perseverance and Kindness as Vital Tenants of Success. How is each theme developed in the story? What plot scenario or character action best exemplifies each theme? Consider these starting questions first and note some names, details, or happenings in the novel for each.

• Which of the characters make sacrifices to achieve a goal?
• What acts of devotion are in the novel?
• Which characters fail to come to Little Willy’s aid?
• How do the characters fail to address the injustices committed against Stone Fox?
• Which characters show kindness to Little Willy?
• How does Little Willy display kindness? 

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to analyze the three themes using a three-circle Venn diagram with each circle labeled as one of the themes. Students may work to describe events in the novel that fall under the category of each theme before discussing, as well as how these events can represent more than one theme at a time. Students might instead find it helpful to label areas or boxes on a large piece of poster paper with the headings “Sacrifice,” “Devotion,” “Injustices,” and “Kindness.” They can note instances of these motifs throughout the novel in preparation for a discussion on each theme.