Gleanings: Stories from Arc of a Scythe cover

Gleanings: Stories from Arc of a Scythe

Author: Shusterman, Neal

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 6.3
Points 18.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 107779
Points per Word 0.000167
Page Count 423
Points per Page 0.042553

Description

This is a collection of stories that span the time when humans live in a world without hunger, disease, or death and Scythes act as the living instruments of population control. Text contains violence and profanity. Book #4

Quick Summary

Fans of the Arc of a Scythe series will love diving into this anthology of stories that explore the world where death is no longer a natural end but a managed act performed by Scythes. The collection offers a mix of humor, heart-wrenching moments, and surprisingly light-hearted sketches that give readers a break from the main series' heavier tone, while still tackling big questions about morality and the value of life. It's perfect for teens who enjoy dystopian settings with a dark sense of humor, especially those who liked The Hunger Games but want something a bit more philosophical. Parents should be aware that the book includes occasional profanity and some graphic violence, which fits the world-building but can be intense for younger readers. The stories range from quick, witty anecdotes to longer, more reflective pieces, giving a sense of how different characters experience life under Scythe rule. Whether you read it cover-to-cover or dip in and out, each story feels like a fresh slice of the universe that makes you think about what it means to truly live.