How to Bee
Book • 2020
A story about family, loyalty, kindness and bravery, set against an all-too-possible future where climate change has forever changed the way we live.
In a world where real bees are extinct, the quickest, bravest kids climb the fruit trees and pollinate the flowers by hand. Peony lives with her sister, Magnolia, and her grandfather on a fruit farm outside the city. All Peony really wants is to be a bee. Even though she is only nine — and bees must be ten — Peony already knows all there is to know about being a bee and she is determined to achieve her dream.
Life on the farm is a scrabble, but there is enough to eat and a place to sleep, and there is love. Then Peony’s mother arrives to take her away from everything she has ever known. Peony is taken to the city to work for a wealthy family. Will Peony’s grit and quick thinking be enough to keep her safe?
How to Bee is a beautiful and fierce novel for younger readers, and the voice of Peony will stay with you long after you read the last page.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.6
Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.
How to Bee
Book • 2020
A story about family, loyalty, kindness and bravery, set against an all-too-possible future where climate change has forever changed the way we live.
In a world where real bees are extinct, the quickest, bravest kids climb the fruit trees and pollinate the flowers by hand. Peony lives with her sister, Magnolia, and her grandfather on a fruit farm outside the city. All Peony really wants is to be a bee. Even though she is only nine — and bees must be ten — Peony already knows all there is to know about being a bee and she is determined to achieve her dream.
Life on the farm is a scrabble, but there is enough to eat and a place to sleep, and there is love. Then Peony’s mother arrives to take her away from everything she has ever known. Peony is taken to the city to work for a wealthy family. Will Peony’s grit and quick thinking be enough to keep her safe?
How to Bee is a beautiful and fierce novel for younger readers, and the voice of Peony will stay with you long after you read the last page.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.6
Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.
Bara says...
Ages 9+, but every child is different
The themes of displacement, forced labor, and environmental collapse require a level of emotional maturity typically seen in middle-grade readers. The complex social and environmental issues presented are best processed with the cognitive development of children aged nine and older.
Content Safety Breakdown
Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content
Sex & Nudity
The story centers on themes of family and survival with no romantic subplots, sexual content, or suggestive imagery.
Violence & Gore
There is no graphic violence, though the protagonist experiences physical hardship and minor scuffles related to her work as a bee, which is mild in nature.
Profanity
The dialogue is generally very clean, with only very rare, mild exclamations like "d*mn" or "cr*p" used sparingly by children to express frustration.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
There is no depiction of drug, alcohol, or tobacco use, as the setting focuses on agricultural survival and resource scarcity.
Frightening Scenes
The story contains emotional intensity regarding a child being taken from her family and moving to a new environment, which may cause mild concern for younger or sensitive readers.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
A story about a brave girl who stays true to herself and finds strength in her abilities while facing big changes in her world.
Content Warnings
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The text deals with themes of abandonment, child-servitude, and the loss of natural habitats, which may provoke questions about societal structures and environmental responsibility.
What Kids Can Learn
Readers gain insight into perspective-taking, the importance of point-of-view in storytelling, and the balance between personal ambition and duty.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
It serves as an excellent catalyst for discussing difficult global issues and critical thinking through the eyes of an articulate, determined youth.
Positives & Learning
What makes this content valuable for children
Positive Messages
Emphasizes the power of resilience, the importance of familial bonds during hardship, and the dignity found in hard work and self-reliance.
Positive Role Models
Peony exhibits admirable grit, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self, remaining steadfast in her values despite significant upheaval.
Diverse Representations
No diverse representation indicated in available information.
Educational Value
Provides meaningful opportunities to discuss climate change, sustainable agriculture, and the ethical implications of child labor and class disparity.
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