Cover of Scythe

Scythe

by Neal Shusterman · Grades 7–12 · Science Fiction

Scythe by Neal Shusterman is on US reading lists at grades 7–12. It appears on 9 lists: 8 book-award lists and 1 school or library reading list, across 9 states. Every citation below links to the primary source.

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Before you buy: Ages 12–17 · Grades 7–12. The button opens the hardcover edition (ISBN 9781442472426). If the class uses a set edition or translation, match its ISBN first.

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Among the most widely assigned — 9 curriculum lists · 9 states

#85 most-assigned book in America — on school reading lists in 5 states (2026-07-13 study of 13,258 assignments).

Grade placement varies by school — the median assigned book spans 4 grade levels (83% span three or more, across 13,258 source-cited assignments).

On reading-award lists:Volunteer State Book AwardOregon Reader's Choice Award (ORCA)California Young Reader MedalNebraska Golden Sower Award+5 more

This page shows where Scythe is assigned in US schools — curricula, states, grades, and the primary-source citations behind each placement. Not a summary or study guide.

Reading level at a glance

Grade range
Grades 7–12
Age range
Ages 12–17
First published
2016
Genre
Science Fiction
ISBN-13
9781442472426

Sources: grade range from the cited lists below, last checked 2026-09-24; pages and year from our catalog record (sources); reading time is an estimate at 250 words a minute.

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More like this

Same grade band, chosen by theme and by how many reading lists carry them. As an Amazon Associate, ReadingList earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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About this book

Book facts and sources (8)
Award won
On award reading lists

and 3 more in where it is taught

Catalog record
First published 2016 (source: how we source book data)

Similar grade-level books

See all books like Scythe→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This science fiction title is typically read at grades 7–12. Written in the 2010s; pairs with curriculum units on mortality and power; cited on 9 lists: 8 book-award lists and 1 school or library reading list.

Themes

mortality · power · ethics

Where this book is recommended

Show 3 more awards & assignments

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Common questions

What grade level is Scythe?
Scythe is listed for grades 7–12. It appears on 9 state reading-program lists across 9 states. Exact placement varies by school and district.
What curricula assign Scythe?
Scythe appears on reading lists for Battle of the Books (state reading programs), California Young Reader Medal, Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers, and 6 others. Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
Is Scythe banned in schools?
Scythe does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
What themes does Scythe explore?
Central themes in Scythe include mortality, power, ethics.

Why this book is on this list

How we classify

Each dimension below is sourced from a public reference. The full framework is documented on the classification standard page.

Lexile measure
Not classified — this book has no published Lexile measure.
Grade band
Grades 7–12 — drawn from the state reading-program lists citing this book.
Curriculum alignment
Cited in 9 curricula on this site (see “Where recommended” above for primary-source links).
State-level evidence
On state book-award lists in 9 states (see citations above).
Removal / banning records
No tracked removal or challenge records in cited sources.
Seasonal / contextual tags
Tagged for: award-nominee, award-winner, book-club.

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