Collins, S. (2008). Hunger Games. NY: Scholastic. ISBN: 9780439023481.
Plot Summary: In the future, the U.S. is gone. In its place is Panem, in which the city of Capitol rules over 12 rebellious districts. Sixteen-year old Katniss and her friend, Gale, search for food in the woods surrounding their impoverished District. The main caretakers for both their families, Katniss and Gale are afraid of the approaching annual Reaping, when two "tributes" between the ages of 12 - 18 will be chosen by lottery from each of the Districts to compete in The Hunger Games, a survival contest on live TV where teenagers fight to the death and there can be only one survivor.
When her beloved younger sister, Prim, is chosen, Katniss volunteers to go in her sister's place. Another tribute from District 12 is Peeta, a boy who soon complicates their relationship. After traveling to the Capitol and engaging in elaborate training, Katniss and Peeta are sent into the game. Terrifying events follow and Katniss works hard to stay alive and retain her humanity during the unforgiving brutality of the Games.
Critical Evaluation: An amazing and imaginative story. The characters are well-formed and we care about Katniss’s survival, despite her shrewd boldness. Peeta is kind and values the right things while teaching Katniss about what matters most. As humans play a game of ultimate survival by a tyrannical government set on destroying their desperate Districts, even the love triangle with Gale involved adds a complex layer to the narrative.
The writing style of this novel is no-nonsense but with moments of dry humor. We are thrown into a world that has become a dystopian nightmare, where starving teens are the unwilling Gladiators in this hellish reality. This book is riveting and a real page-turner. I can see why teens are clamboring to get copies of this book.
Reader’s Annotation:
A biggest fight of Katniss’ life will be played out on live TV. Is she ready to fight for her life in the arena of The Hunger Games?
Information About the Author:
Suzanne Collins is the award-wining author whose work has sold more than one million books and been translated into seven foreign languages. The Hunger Games is scheduled to be translated into 35 languages and is being developed into a feature film. Collins continues to explore the effects of war and violence in her young adult writing. She lives with her family and a trio of feral kittens in Connecticut.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Death and Deadly Disease, Outsiders
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Adventure: Survival
Science Fiction: Alternate Worlds, Utopia/Distopia
Curriculum Ties: English class, Social Studies class, History class, Government class, Humanities class, Book clubs, Social clubs
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) The history of Gladiator fighting
2.) Brutality and killing as entertainment
3.) Katniss’ true feeling toward Peeta
4.) Do other countries see us the way the districts see Capitol?
5.) Could this happen today?
Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 9 -12
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• Depictions of violence
• Portrayal of drinking
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards won by this book from reputable organizations:
http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/the_hunger_games_69765.htm
• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052.The_Hunger_Games
• Provide discussion questions book clubs have used to address issues or book content:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=36164
• Provide advisory reviews for parents about this book’s content and age appropriateness:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Hunger-Games.html
Why This Book Was Included: I wanted to know what the hype was all about. It’s a really popular book with teens and I can see why it appeals to them. A Gladiator narrative, a strong female protagonist, a romantic triangle, an intense adventure with big stakes. It’s a real winner and likely to keep teens interested in reading.
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