Stung 

• Genre: Fiction; young adult dystopian
• Originally Published: 2013 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile HL760L; grades 7-10 
• Structure/Length: 39 chapters; approximately 320 pages; approximately 7 hours, 47 minutes on audio 
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist, Fiona Tarsis, returns to consciousness in a world drastically changed by a bee extinction and subsequent pandemic. Marked with a tattoo indicating she was a vaccine failure, Fiona is a target in this dystopian society. The central conflict revolves around Fiona’s struggle to survive and uncover the truth about her past, navigating a world filled with danger, betrayal, and the constant threat of capture. 
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Pandemic and societal collapse; violence and peril; gore; rape and sexual assault (implied); dystopian challenges; loss of family members; exploration of identity and transformation

Bethany Wiggins, Author 

• Bio: Born 1976; American author known for young adult novels that feature strong female protagonists facing extraordinary circumstances; work features imaginative storytelling, exploration of dystopian themes, and action-packed narratives 
• Other Works: Shifting (2011); Cured (Stung series, Book 2; 2014); The Dragon’s Price (Transference series, Book 1; 2017) 

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Consequences of Rash Behavior
• Gendered Notions of Power and Ability
• Preserving a Sense of Humanity in a Violent World

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an increased understanding of the scientific and social contexts around bee extinction that incite the central conflicts.
• Discuss paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of The Consequences of Rash Behavior, Gendered Notions of Power and Ability, and Preserving a Sense of Humanity in a Violent World.
• Research, plan, and conduct a trial for Governor Soneschen based on text details.
• Analyze and evaluate plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the novel’s use of flashbacks, the significance of music, and other topics.