Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted Black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of Black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.
This bi-monthly handbook contains the following features:
Find related books in the Brave Writer Book Shop: The Secret Life of Bees
The Slingshot guides teens in literary analysis of classic and contemporary literature.
Even if your teen has never analyzed literature before... We’ve got you—and your college-bound teens—covered!
Our year-long program includes five month-long lesson plans.
Each handbook is based on a novel and immerses your teen in the world of:
Each handbook contains:
Detailed notes to establish the context of the novel (book not included)
Four passages taken from the novel for copywork and dictation
Easy-to-follow instructions to teach writing elements found in the passages
Examination of grammar and punctuation
Additional notes that go beyond the passage
Nine "think piece" questions—for discussion and writing
Book club party ideas
Copywork passages on separate printable pages
Four-color design that looks gorgeous on tablets or printed at home
Start any time by selecting one of the lists below from the drop-down menu when you add to cart. Enjoy the five Slingshots in any order.
Contemporary:
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Swing by Kwame Alexander
We encourage you to review the books yourself to be certain that you are comfortable with the content before giving them to your teens.
Delivery: After purchase, the Slingshots are available in your Brave Writer online account. Each handbook (40-50 pages) is a non-consumable PDF and can be used with multiple teens—no need to purchase additional copies.
Want a print copy? Go to the front of the line at the Homeschool Printing Company with a special Brave Writer offer. Order here.
Note: The Slingshot is one part of the College Prep Writers Bundle.
Charter School: If you want to purchase through a charter school and your funds come in July, you may use the following code on your PO to get the June deal: JUNE2526
Find related books in the Brave Writer Book Shop:
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More items in the 2025-2026 Slingshot Books (Classics & Contemporary collections) list:
