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Quick answer: Scythe by Neal Shusterman is best for ages 13 or 14 and up. It’s a thought-provoking science fiction story about a future without death, where official killers called scythes keep the population in check, and it includes many deaths and a few gory massacres, but no sex and little swearing.
Quick facts
Recommended age: 13+ (14+ for many families)
Reading level: Teen to adult
Genre: YA science fiction
Published: 2016; Printz Honor; first of the Arc of a Scythe trilogy
Main concerns: Killings, massacres, moral dilemmas
Similar to: The Hunger Games and The Giver
Scythe is a Printz Honor book that’s become a favorite with teens and teachers. It imagines a perfect future where disease, war and even death have been conquered, so a special order of scythes must end lives to control the population. It’s violent, but it’s also deeply philosophical. This guide explains what’s in it so you can decide when your child is ready.
Table of Contents
What Is Scythe About?
In a future where humanity has conquered death and an artificial intelligence called the Thunderhead runs the world, only scythes can end lives. Teenagers Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch are chosen as apprentices to the honorable Scythe Faraday.
Neither wants the job, which is exactly why they were chosen. As they train, they discover corruption within the Scythedom, where some scythes enjoy killing. Then they learn that only one of them will become a scythe, and the first task of the winner will be to glean the loser.
Check price of Scythe on Amazon
Content Guide for Parents
| Content | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Violence | High | Gleanings, which are killings, happen throughout, including mass killings described in some detail. |
| Moral themes | Central | Life, death, power and ethics are explored deeply. |
| Romance | Mild | Feelings between Citra and Rowan, with a kiss. |
| Language | Mild | Little swearing. |
| Suicide themes | Present | In this future, people jump from buildings for fun and are revived; a scythe’s apparent self-gleaning is part of the plot. |
| Positive messages | Strong | Compassion, integrity and questioning power. |
Age-by-Age Breakdown
| Age | Is Scythe a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Under 12 | Usually too dark; try The Last Cuentista. |
| 12 to 13 | Possible for mature readers who handled The Hunger Games. |
| 14 and up | The sweet spot for the trilogy. |
| Adults | Many adults find it thought-provoking. |
Why Teachers Love Scythe
Scythe raises big questions: What gives life meaning if we can’t die? Who should have the power to decide who lives? Is it possible to kill with compassion? Those questions make it a great book for classroom and family discussion.
It’s also a gripping thriller, so even reluctant readers often love it.
Is Scythe Okay for a 12-Year-Old?
Some mature 12-year-olds read it, especially if they handled The Hunger Games. The killings are frequent, and a few massacres are disturbing. For sensitive 12-year-olds, it may be better to wait.
The sequels, Thunderhead and The Toll, are longer and similar in intensity.
What Parents Should Know
- It’s violent but thoughtful. Killing is never glamorized by the heroes.
- It’s a trilogy. Plus a short story collection, Gleanings.
- It’s a Printz Honor book. Recognized for literary quality.
- It’s great for discussion. Big ethical questions on every page.
- Neal Shusterman has written more. Unwind is darker.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for Scythe
- Read the first chapter yourself. Ten minutes with the opening pages tells you a lot about the tone of Scythe.
- Think about what upsets your child. Every child is different, so match the content table above to your own child rather than to their age alone.
- Ask what they already know. Kids often hear about popular books from friends, so ask what they expect and why they want to read it.
- Offer to read it together. Reading at the same time, or aloud, makes it easy to pause and talk about hard scenes.
- Keep the door open. Tell your child they can stop at any time and come to you with questions.
A Simple Plan for Reading Scythe Together
- Before reading: look at the cover and blurb together and ask what your child expects from Scythe.
- While reading: check in every few chapters with one open question, such as “What surprised you?”
- After a hard scene: ask how it made them feel rather than what it means.
- After finishing: talk about the ending, then let your child choose what to read next from the suggestions below.
Questions to Talk About With Your Child
- Would you want to live in a world without death?
- Why were Citra and Rowan chosen?
- What makes a good scythe?
- Is the Thunderhead a good ruler?
- How should we decide who has power over life and death?
If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet: Similar Books to Try
These science fiction books raise big questions for different ages.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera: ages 10 and up. A girl wakes on a spaceship to find her memories erased by a sinister group. It won the Newbery Medal.
Check price of The Last Cuentista on Amazon
The Giver by Lois Lowry: ages 12 and up. A boy discovers the dark truth beneath his perfect community.
Check price of The Giver on Amazon
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman: ages 13 and up. The sequel follows Citra and Rowan as the Scythedom grows more dangerous.
Check price of Thunderhead on Amazon
Related: what age The Giver is appropriate for and what age The Hunger Games is appropriate for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Scythe appropriate for?
Scythe is best for ages 13 or 14 and up.
Is Scythe violent?
Yes. Killings, called gleanings, happen throughout, including a few mass killings.
Is there sex in Scythe?
No. There’s a mild romance with a kiss.
Is Scythe a good book for school?
Yes. It’s a Printz Honor book that raises great ethical questions.
How many books are in the Arc of a Scythe series?
There are three novels: Scythe, Thunderhead and The Toll, plus the story collection Gleanings.