Stung
#1 in Stung Series
on Goodreads (13,150)
What’s inside...
Fiona doesn’t remember going to sleep, but when she awakens, her world has drastically changed. Her house is abandoned, her neighborhood is barren, and there is a mysterious tattoo on her right hand that she must conceal at all costs. Humanity has been divided between those bearing the tattoo, who have turned into violent beasts, and a select protected few living inside a fortress-like wall devoted to rebuilding society and exterminating the branded. Fiona finds herself branded but still normal, and on the wrong side of the wall. This story is a reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, where a bee sting, rather than a needle prick, has the power to destroy the world. When the honeybee population disappears and a pandemic sweeps across the planet, the government tried a bio-engineered cure even deadlier than the problem. Branded with the mark of the vaccine, Fiona must navigate this new dystopian world. But there's no cure for being stung.
Character compass
Fiona Tarsis
Bowen
Jonah Tarsis
Arrin
Discussion points
How do you think Fiona's transformation affected her view of the world around her?
What would you do if you were in Fiona’s shoes and woke up in a completely changed world?
How do relationships in the book change as the characters face challenges, and what does that teach us about trust and friendship?
The book portrays different leaders in a post-apocalyptic world. Which leader would you follow and why?
What role do you think memory plays in the book, and how important are memories in shaping who we are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the world and characters Bethany Wiggins created, to gauge their emotional response to the story.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast characters’ decisions and motivations to understand different perspectives and moral choices.
Discuss the themes of survival and resilience, asking your child about times when they had to adapt to new situations and how they managed.
Connect the story’s themes to current events or environmental issues to deepen the understanding of the book’s relevance.
Use quotes from the book as conversation starters to delve deeper into specific scenes or character development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Stung', the protagonist Fiona displays bravery as she navigates a dangerous, dystopian world. Her journey highlights the importance of courage when confronting challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face fears and overcome obstacles with bravery, whether it's trying out for a sports team or standing up for a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Importance of responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the story, Fiona takes responsibility for her actions and their consequences, demonstrating maturity and accountability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of being responsible for their actions at school, at home, and in their communities.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Fiona's relentless pursuit of safety and justice, despite numerous setbacks, embodies the virtue of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, be it in completing a challenging school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Friendship and trust
Explanation: As Fiona builds relationships with others who help her on her journey, the importance of trust and forming strong friendships is underscored.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cultivate trust and mutually supportive friendships in their own lives, enhancing their social interactions and emotional health.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: Fiona's ability to adapt to the drastically changed world around her highlights the importance of being flexible and embracing change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to changes such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes within the family unit.