Gary Paulsen frames reading and writing as two skills that many people in modern day take for granted. He shows how life-changing these skills are. He also suggests that the desire to communicate through reading and writing is an innate quality in all humans. Even before Nightjohn arrives and starts to teach Sarny, she is aware of and curious about literacy. She’s noticed the slave owners in the white house looking at papers and understanding their symbols. She also copies the “100 lbs” marking she observed on a feed sack. Even without understanding the marking, she recognizes that it communicates meaning.

When Nightjohn starts to teach Sarny the alphabet, the letters open a new world of possibilities for her. She relishes making words in her mind, and this joy gives Nightjohn purpose. Because he recognizes the positive impact of literacy, he is willing to risk his life to share knowledge with others. Reading and writing as a motif illustrates the power of education and reminds readers to appreciate greater access to resources.

Although the novel is geared toward young readers, Paulsen does not shy away from depicting the cruel, gruesome punishments endured by slaves. To omit descriptions of punishments wouldn’t do the experiences of slaves justice.