Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
There are still countless tales of the Scythedom to tell. Centuries passed between the Thunderhead cradling humanity and Scythe Goddard trying to turn it upside down. For years, humans lived in a world without hunger, disease, or death with Scythes as the living instruments of population control.
Neal Shusterman—along with collaborators David Yoon, Jarrod Shusterman, Sofía Lapuente, Michael H. Payne, Michelle Knowlden, and Joelle Shusterman—returns to the world throughout the timeline of the Arc of a Scythe series. Discover secrets and histories of characters you’ve followed for three volumes and meet new heroes, new foes, and some figures in between.
Gleanings shows just how expansive, terrifying, and thrilling the world that began with the Printz Honor–winning Scythe truly is.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains numerous scenes of violence, including traditional gleanings that involve throat slittings and other forms of bloodshed. The overall tone suggests that violence is a central theme in the stories. The book features themes that may be unsettling for younger readers, including mass murder and intimate killings, which could be considered scary or disturbing.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have violence?
The book contains numerous scenes of violence, including traditional gleanings that involve throat slittings and other forms of bloodshed. The overall tone suggests that violence is a central theme in the stories.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have scary content?
The book features themes that may be unsettling for younger readers, including mass murder and intimate killings, which could be considered scary or disturbing.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have religious themes?
The narrative includes references to a religious group called 'Tonists,' who are anti-Scythe and suggest that themes of faith and the afterlife are present in the story. The characters grapple with questions about where they go when they die.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have racial/cultural content?
While there are references to diversity, race does not appear to be a central theme or plot element in the book. The focus is more on the implications of scythedom rather than racial dynamics.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have profanity?
The book includes some strong language, with mentions of words like 'ass,' 'bitch,' 'hell,' and 'damn.' This suggests that while profanity is not the central focus, it is present in the dialogue.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have climate change?
The narrative touches on themes related to climate change, including humanity's attempts to establish outposts on other planets and discussions about the consequences of environmental neglect.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have sexual identity?
There are mentions of sexual relationships, including a few kisses and implications that characters sleep together. The narrative discusses the Scythe commandment regarding relationships, indicating that while traditional family structures are not promoted, some romantic interactions occur.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have gender roles?
The narrative includes a character who is gender fluid and explores themes of attraction to multiple genders. However, there is no strong emphasis on traditional gender roles or feminist themes.
Does Gleanings Stories from the Arc of a Scythe have lgbtq+ themes?
One of the stories in 'Gleanings' features a gay male main character who falls in love with another man and mentions past boyfriends. Additionally, a character is identified as gender fluid and is attracted to both men and women.
