The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

ISBN: 978-0439023481

Publisher: Scholastic Press (2008)

384 p.

Reading Level: 14 and above.

Summary:

The Hunger Games is set in a future, dystopian society in which a town gathers together to see which person to choose for the Hunger Games. These games happen every year, and in each of the 12 districts a boy and a girl must be chosen to compete through a random drawing. Katniss Everdeen, a tough girl who is the sole provider of her family, takes her younger sister’s place. Peeta Mellark, the son of the neighborhood baker, is also picked. Then comes the preparation for the game, which includes feasting and trying out skill-sets in front of the judges. The two main characters have a team of stylists to ready them for a televised fight to the death. Once Katniss and Peeta are in the arena, they are pitted against the other districts and against each other for a fight to the death. Katniss and Peeta go their separate ways, join with others, only to end up together. The government constantly pits the children against each other, while the children are always aware of the world’s viewing their every move. They must also playact enough to get sponsored gifts. In the last chapters, readers will enjoy an intense story twist that will both delight and terrify them, leaving them ravenous for the next installment of the trilogy.

Critical Evaluation:

This book wins the heart of the reader and engages them almost straightaway with the first-person narrative of Katniss and the hurdles she must overcome for her family. Her main objective is to always keep them safe and well-fed. One main image that reappears throughout the novel is the use of flowers. For Katniss, dandelions symbolize hope because that is the first thing she saw after Peeta’s kindness of bread when they were younger. One of the most beautiful moments in the book is when Katniss covers Rue in flowers, showing the government and all the viewers that they are not simply pawns to watch die, but people who deserve respect, love, and time to be mourned. Katniss finally understands the moment where Peeta tells her that “I want to die as myself” (p.141), evoking a very strong message for young readers. The idea that, even in the darkest of times, one must stay true to oneself is central to all youth. Simply because the government has the power to control them, does not mean that there are not moments where one can fight and take the power back. When the small loaf of bread floats down to Katniss from Rue’s District as a small form of thanks, it only showcases that people are strong and that people are the ones who change governments. Resilience is key in these books. This novel, the whole trilogy in fact, should be read by all young adults because of its themes of self-worth, compassion, and love.

 

Reader’s Annotation:

What would you do if you had to choose between
winning and doing what’s right? Would you kill to save your family?

Author Biography: 

Suzanne Collins is a children’s television writer with such credits as the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Her most recent employment was as Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days. While working on another show called Generation O!, she met children’s author James Proimos who encouraged her to try her hand at writing.
 
Her first book was Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part series, The Underland Chronicles. After this, she started on what is now known to be her most popular work, The Hunger Games series, that consists of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Genre: Science Fiction.

Curriculum Ties:

This could be used in a English class for reluctant readers. The suspense and action that drive the story will compel students to read on. This in turn will lead them to become engaged and speak their thoughts about the content.

Booktalking Ideas:

-Discuss the relationship between Katniss and Gale, as well as Katniss and Peeta.
How they differ and how they complement each other.

-What will Katniss do for survival and to make sure that her family is cared for?

-In times of governmental tyranny, what are the ways Katniss and other members of society
rebel or show solidarity with one another?

Read-Alikes:
-Battle Royale by Koushun Takami.
-The Lottery by Shirley Jackson.

-The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

Challenge Issue:
There is violence in this book. Children do die, but it furthers the story and emphasizes the issues that are prevalent in this horrible, futuristic society where death is sport. Teachers, librarians, and parents can use it to teach about the importance of integrity and courage.

Reason to include in blog:
I included this book in my selection because it has been a stand-out read for me this past year, so much so that I’ve re-read it, and it seemed twice as good. The true-to life characters were very engaging, dealt with serious issues, and left the reader yearning for more.

References

Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press. 

Collins, S. (2011). The Official Suzanne Collins Website. Retrieved from

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/