The Hunger Games

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic Press, 2008. ISBN-13: 978-0439023481.

Plot
The Capitol controls the Districts, and to show their power over the people they annually hold the Games. These Games require each District to submit one girl and one boy between the age of twelve and eighteen. All of the teens are then lead into a battle to the death and the last person standing gets their needs as well as the needs of their family taken care of for the rest of their lives. All this is usual for Katniss who takes care of her mother and sister, until the drawings of the names for the Games comes up and turns her life upside down.

Critical Evaluation
Readers will easily be hooked by this book. Not only is the story written well, but the plot is very fast moving and full of action. there is the worry that the gladiator type games may be too violent, yet despite the nature of the games the book is not overly depressing. Teens as well as adults will enjoy the many twists in the plot.

Reader's Annotation
The Games is an annual gladiator event where one boy and one girl from each District must go and fight to the death. The winner gets to live the rest of their life in luxury. Katniss couldn't care less for the games, but somehow finds herself caught in an epic fight to survive.

About the Author
Suzanne Collins has written for children's television shows in addition to books. She has even worked on an Emmy nominated show, Clarissa Explains it All. It was only until she talked with children's author James Proimos did she decide to try writing books.

She currently lives in Connecticut with her family. Her third book to The Hunger Games: The Mockingjay is to be released in August.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Science Fiction
Distopia

Book Talking Ideas
How does the relationship between Katniss and her mother differ from the relationship between Katniss and Prim?
Did you think Peeta had any plans to survive?
Why do you think the publicity of the Games is so important? How does it effect the Games?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issue
Violence

Challenge Answer
The violence is not dwelt on or is described in disturbing details. It is also written in such as way that the book is not overly dark or depressing.

Why Included in Selection
Every person who has read this book loved it. It is a great story with a lot of adventure.