SuitabookScarlet
Marissa Meyer
- Reading
- Preview the violence and frightening imagery before reading, then pause after major choices to discuss trust and responsibility. Afterwards, compare the book’s version of Little Red Riding Hood with another version.
- Themes
- Prejudice and belonging: Scarlet’s attitudes towards Lunars are linked to her grandmother’s influence, while the wider society contains prejudice between Earthens and Lunars. The book presents prejudice as a social force worth examining and connects personal attitudes with family and society.
- Power, duty and freedom: Cinder struggles with Lunar powers that can help or hurt others; characters weigh escape, political bargains, family duty and obligations to groups. The story invites ethical consideration of power and competing duties rather than presenting these choices as simple.
- Agency and resistance: Scarlet and Cinder are described as brave young women who confront danger while dealing with family ties, identity, stigma and responsibility. Their courage and determination are presented positively, while both characters also face uncertainty about their identities and decisions.
- Worth knowing
- Consider the book together if graphic depictions of biting, bloody fights, torture, brutal death, suicide being discussed, frightening wolf-like attackers, a heavy-drinking parent, kissing or escort-droid references may need preparation.