White Bird is a book set within the context of the second world war and the Holocaust. These events had a profound impact on all of humanity, changing the way human nature is regarded and international relations are conducted across the globe. Owing to this, the idea of history is present as an unseen character and a forceful theme all at once, the overwhelming message being the need for humanity to learn from its past.

The idea of learning from past mistakes is first presented on a smaller scale, and at an individual level. In the Prologue, Julian and Grandmère talk about their shared feeling of regret over their respective past actions. White Bird is set in the universe of Wonder, a novel by the same author. Julian’s actions in Wonder are referenced, where he bullied a boy named Auggie (the protagonist of Wonder), who has a genetic condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis that has left his face misshapen. In the Prologue, Julian expresses genuine regret over his past actions, and this is echoed by Grandmère, who reassures Julian that the important thing is to learn from one’s mistakes.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Grandmère is not only referencing the larger scale events of the Holocaust and World War II, but incidents from her own life.