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A Forest of Hands and Teeth" by Carrie Ryan is a dystopian novel set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to the existence of the Unconsecrated—zombie-like creatures that threaten the living. The story follows Mary, a young woman who lives in a village surrounded by a fence meant to keep the Unconsecrated at bay.

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Mary is deeply influenced by the tales of the ocean and a world beyond the village, which are forbidden and shrouded in mystery. As she grapples with her feelings for two boys, Travis and Harry, her life is turned upside down when the fence is breached, and the village faces an overwhelming threat.

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As the community collapses, Mary must confront her fears, make difficult choices, and seek her own path to survival. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for hope in a world dominated by fear and loss. Ultimately, it’s a coming-of-age story about finding one's identity in the midst of chaos.

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Love in the novel is multifaceted, encompassing romantic love, familial bonds, and the deeper connections formed in dire circumstances. Mary finds herself torn between her feelings for Travis and Harry, representing different paths and futures. Her relationships highlight the complexity of love in a world filled with danger—where emotions can lead to both hope and despair. The love Mary seeks is not just about romantic fulfillment; it’s also about belonging and connection in a broken world.

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Sacrifice is a recurring theme as characters face harrowing choices for the sake of others. Mary’s journey forces her to confront what she is willing to give up to protect those she loves. The story emphasizes that survival often comes at a cost, and characters are frequently faced with difficult decisions that challenge their morals and loyalties. Mary’s willingness to risk everything for her dreams and for the sake of others underscores the profound impact of sacrifice in shaping identity and relationships.

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In a bleak landscape dominated by fear and despair, hope emerges as a vital theme. Mary’s longing for the ocean symbolizes her desire for a life beyond the confines of her village and the horrors of the Unconsecrated. The narrative portrays hope as something fragile yet powerful, driving characters to persevere even when faced with overwhelming odds. As Mary navigates her fears and the realities of her world, her journey reflects the human capacity to seek light amid darkness.

Together, these themes illustrate the resilience of the human spirit, the complexities of relationships, and the enduring quest for meaning and connection in a world that often feels hopeless.

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How does Mary evolve throughout the story? What key events influence her transformation?

Compare and contrast Mary’s relationships with Travis and Harry. What do these relationships reveal about her character?

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT– Terrible Writing Advice

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Discuss the different forms of love portrayed in the novel. How do love and loss intersect in Mary’s life?

What sacrifices do characters make for love, and how do these sacrifices impact their relationships?

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We don't "move on" from grief. We move forward with it | Nora McInerny | TED

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How does fear shape the actions and decisions of characters in the novel?

In what ways does fear of the Unconsecrated mirror deeper fears about life and death?

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What role does hope play in Mary’s journey? How does she find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation?

Discuss moments in the novel that serve as turning points for hope and despair.

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Analyze the community dynamics within Mary’s village. How does the village’s isolation affect its inhabitants?

What does the novel suggest about the importance of community in times of crisis?

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Read Aloud: Start by reading a selected passage from the first chapter that describes the village and its surroundings. This will set the mood and give students context.

Discussion: After reading, facilitate a brief discussion about the atmosphere. Ask questions like:

·      What emotions do you feel from the description?

·      How do you think the setting influences the characters’ lives?

Visualize: Ask students to close their eyes and imagine the village. Prompt them with questions:

·      What do you see?

·      What sounds do you hear?

·      What do you feel in this environment?

Create: Have students draw or create a visual representation of the village based on their imagination and the descriptions from the text. Encourage them to include elements that convey the eerie and oppressive atmosphere.

Share: Once finished, have a few students share their creations and explain their artistic choices.

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Objective: To engage students with the themes of survival, community, and choices, which are central to the novel.

Materials Needed: Scenario cards (detailing various survival situations), Whiteboard or large paper for brainstorming, Markers

Instructions:

Set the Scene: Start by briefly introducing the world of "A Forest of Hands and Teeth." Explain that it takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting where society has changed dramatically.

Divide into Groups: Split the class into small groups. Each group will work together to discuss their scenarios.

Distribute Scenario Cards: Give each group a card with a survival situation. Examples: 1. The Infected: You spot an infected person wandering near your community's boundary. Do you alert others to eliminate the threat or try to communicate with them in hopes of finding a cure? 2. A New Arrival: A stranger arrives at your gates, claiming to have information about a safe haven. Do you let them in and risk your community's safety, or turn them away? 3. Divided Loyalties: A friend wants to leave the community to seek out a rumored safe place, but they want you to come with them. Do you follow your friend or stay loyal to your community?

Discussion: Each group discusses their scenario, considering the options available and the potential consequences of their choices. Encourage them to think about themes such as trust, fear, and community.

Share and Reflect: After 15-20 minutes, have each group share their scenario and the choices they made. Use the whiteboard to jot down key themes that arise during the discussions.

Connect to the Text: Wrap up by highlighting how these scenarios relate to the characters and decisions in "A Forest of Hands and Teeth." Ask students to think about how they would react in similar situations and how this might influence their understanding of the novel.

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Survivor’s Map

Activity: Create a detailed map of the novel’s setting, marking important locations, events, and character journeys. Students should include notes explaining each location's significance or lack thereof.

Assesses: Understanding of setting and geography in relation to the book.

Survival Guide

Activity: Create a survival guide for living in the world of "A Forest of Hands and Teeth." This should include tips, essential supplies, and strategies for dealing with the infected.

Assesses: Evaluates comprehension of the setting and context, as well as critical thinking.

Theme Collage

Activity: Students create a visual collage that represents the major themes of the book (ex: survival, love, isolation). They can use magazine clippings, drawings, or digital images.

Assesses: Evaluates the ability to identify and interpret themes and symbols.

Character Diaries

Activity: Have students choose a character from the book and write diary entries from that character’s perspective. They should focus on key events in the story and the character's emotions, thoughts, and conflicts.

Assesses: Understanding of character development and perspective.

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A Review of "A Forest of Hands and Teeth"

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A Review of "A Forest of Hands and Teeth"

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Book Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

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Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth Author: Carrie Ryan Genre: Speculative Fiction, Young Adult, Apocalyptic Fiction, Zombies Publisher: Delacorte Books Publication Date: March 2009 Hardcover: 320 pages Stand alone or series: Can be read as a stand alone novel, but a sequel will be released in Spring 2010. Why did I read this book: I had first heard about this debut novel on Urban Fantasy Land early last year…and once I had read the premise of the book (ZOMBIES), I was hooked. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for a debut novel before! I pined for months, yearning for an ARC of The Forest of Hands and Teeth — and wouldn’t you know it? By early March, I was able to get a copy… Summary: (from CarrieRyan.com) In Mary’s world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the […]

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A Kahoot that I made with questions about the text.

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https://create.kahoot.it/details/6485c015-2041-4f0f-b5fb-a4695a5da953