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
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 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Scythe appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains numerous scenes of violence, including suicides, mass killings, and intimate murders. These violent acts are central to the plot, as the story revolves around characters who are tasked with 'gleaning' or killing others. The concept of being chosen to die at the hands of scythes and the violent scenes may be unsettling or frightening for some readers, particularly younger ones. The themes of death and violence contribute to a chilling atmosphere.
Does Scythe have violence?
The book contains numerous scenes of violence, including suicides, mass killings, and intimate murders. These violent acts are central to the plot, as the story revolves around characters who are tasked with 'gleaning' or killing others.
Does Scythe have scary content?
The concept of being chosen to die at the hands of scythes and the violent scenes may be unsettling or frightening for some readers, particularly younger ones. The themes of death and violence contribute to a chilling atmosphere.
Does Scythe have religious themes?
The narrative suggests that religion has largely disappeared in the future society depicted in the book, with characters reflecting on the irrelevance of faith in a world where humans have achieved immortality. This critique of religion is present in the story's context.
Does Scythe have racial/cultural content?
While the book is set in a future where characters are described as mixed race and racism is reportedly non-existent, race does not play a central theme or plot point in the narrative. Discussions about race in the context of the book are not prominent.
Does Scythe have profanity?
The book includes mild profanity used infrequently, such as terms like 'damn' and 'hell'. This language is not pervasive but does appear in the text.
Does Scythe have climate change?
The book touches on themes of environmental damage and the consequences of humanity's disregard for the planet. It raises questions about climate change and its impact on society, particularly in a future where humans have achieved immortality.
Does Scythe have sexual identity?
There are references to kissing between characters and a couple of suggestive comments regarding sex. This content is present but not a central focus of the narrative.
Does Scythe have gender roles?
The character Jeri is introduced as a gender-fluid person, which reflects a modern perspective on gender roles. However, the narrative primarily focuses on the themes of life and death rather than an in-depth exploration of gender roles.
Does Scythe have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features a character named Ben, who is queer and has a love story with another boy. This representation of LGBTQ+ themes is explicit within the narrative of the book.
