Gleanings: Arc of a Scythe
Arc Of A Scythe Series
on Goodreads (20,162)
What’s inside...
Gleanings is a collection of short stories set in the universe of the Arc of a Scythe series, offering a deeper look into the world and characters created by Neal Shusterman. Through various tales, readers gain insight into the history and inner workings of the Scythedom, the challenges faced by Scythes, and the experiences of those living in a society where death has been conquered. The Arc of a Scythe series continues with stories that span the timeline, revealing origin stories, continuing storylines, and introducing new Scythes. The book includes contributions from Neal Shusterman and collaborators David Yoon, Jarrod Shusterman, Sofia Lapuente, Michael H. Payne, Michelle Knowlden, and Joelle Shusterman, exploring the secrets and histories of familiar characters and introducing new heroes and foes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
432 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the concept of a world without natural death challenges our understanding of life and society?
What qualities do you think make a good Scythe and why?
In what ways do the characters in the book show resilience or change throughout the story?
What role do you think morality plays in the decisions made by the Scythes?
How does the book's setting influence the actions and thoughts of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own impressions of the book and ask your child what they thought about the story and characters.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast the world in the book with our world today. Discuss any similarities or differences they notice.
Ask your child to think about decisions they would make if they were in the place of a character from the book, and discuss the potential outcomes of those decisions.
Guide your child to explore the ethical dilemmas presented in the book and share their thoughts on what they would do in similar situations.
Discuss the development of characters in the book and encourage your child to express which characters they felt most connected to and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of empathy
Explanation: In 'Gleanings: Arc of a Scythe', characters often face ethical dilemmas, requiring them to understand and share the feelings of others in their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by considering others' feelings and perspectives before acting, helping them build better relationships and social awareness.
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: The protagonists strive to adhere to their moral principles despite challenging circumstances, highlighting integrity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain truthful and uphold their values even when faced with difficult choices, reinforcing ethical behavior.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters' choices lead to significant consequences, emphasizing that decisions carry weight.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think critically about the potential outcomes of their actions and to make more informed decisions.
Example Lesson: The role of power and responsibility
Explanation: Characters who wield power must handle it responsibly, illustrating the adage that 'with great power comes great responsibility'.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of handling leadership and authority responsibly, whether in school roles or team activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters frequently face setbacks and challenges but persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to keep pushing forward despite difficulties, fostering a growth mindset and tenacity.