Scythe: Arc of a Scythe
#1 of 3 in Arc Of A Scythe Series
on Goodreads (370,182)
What’s inside...
Thou shalt kill. A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own; A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021) Two teens must learn the “art of killing” in this Printz Honor–winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology. A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own. Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award–winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
Character compass
Citra Terranova
Rowan Damisch
Scythe Curie
Scythe Faraday
Scythe Goddard
Scythe Volta
High Blade Xenocrates
Tyger Salazar
Discussion points
How do you think the concept of a world without natural death would affect society?
What do you believe are the qualities that make a good Scythe, and why?
In the book, Scythes have the power to 'glean' people. How do you think this responsibility impacts their character and decisions?
The characters in the book often struggle with moral and ethical dilemmas. Can you think of any situations where you had to make a difficult decision? What did you learn from it?
How does the relationship between Citra and Rowan evolve throughout the story, and what do you think drives those changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book to encourage an open dialogue. Emphasize empathy by discussing the emotions and challenges faced by the characters. Relate topics from the book to real-world issues to enhance the depth of the conversation. Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to stimulate creative thinking. Lastly, acknowledge your child's points of view to validate their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of ethical decision-making
Explanation: In 'Scythe,' individuals known as Scythes are tasked with deciding who must die, as humanity has conquered mortality. This immense responsibility showcases the heavy weight and consequences of their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of considering the consequences of their actions and the importance of making decisions that are just and ethical, even in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of life
Explanation: The novel emphasizes the sanctity of life by exploring a world where death is controlled and minimized. Characters in the book grapple with the moral implications of controlling life and death.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate life and understand the importance of respecting others' lives, fostering empathy and compassion.
Example Lesson: The consequences of abusing power
Explanation: Some Scythes in the book abuse their power, which leads to corruption and negative impacts on society. The narrative explores how power can corrupt and the importance of using power responsibly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the importance of integrity and the dangers of misusing authority, encouraging them to be responsible in positions of leadership or influence.
Example Lesson: The significance of questioning societal norms
Explanation: Characters in 'Scythe' often question the rules and structure of their society. This critical thinking is a central theme as they explore different aspects of ethical living and governance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically about their own societal norms and to not accept the status quo without thoughtful consideration, promoting intellectual independence and moral courage.