Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic Inc., 2008. 374 pages. $17.99 ISBN: 9780439023481
Plot Summary:
In the future after the fall of the United States, a new country called Panem has arisen, composed of twelve districts surrounding the Capitol. Every year the Capital holds the Hunger Games and demands two tributes, a boy and a girl, from each of the districts. Every child between 12 and 18 has their name entered for the Hunger Games a brutal televised competition in which only one of the tributes will survive. When her little sister, Prim, is picked as the female tribute in District 12, 16 year old Katniss immediately volunteers to take Prim’s place. Together with the male tribute, Peeta, Katniss leaves for the capital to begin training for what could be the last days of her life, with Haymitch they only tribute from District to ever win the Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta develop a friendship that can only be doomed; as soon as they enter the arena they can trust no one, not even each other. The arena is enormous enclosed space with a man made and controlled environment. Lucky for Katniss the environment of the arena is similar to the woods near her home where she would hunt. Growing up poor and hungry Katniss is accustomed to fighting to survive, but nothing can prepare her for the turmoil of the arena. At every turn Katniss is fighting for her life against the other opponents, wildfires, poisonous gases, genetically engineered animals and whatever other devices the Capitol can dream to torture the tributes and entertain the audience.
Review:
The Hunger Games is a brilliant novel that will leave readers wanting more. Katniss is the ultimate survivor, she is clever, determined, and unlike some of her competitors compassionate. Peeta is the antithesis of Katniss, he is devoted, loyal and selfless; when he enters the arena his last thought is his own survival. Katniss’s compassion saves her time and again in the arena as does Peeta’s selflessness, proving that brute force does not always win.
Genre:
Science Fiction
Dystopian
Dystopian
Adventure
Reading Level/Interest Level:
Grades 5-6/Grades 6 and up
Similar Books:
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Fever Crumb by Phillip Reeve
Graceling by Kristen Cashore
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Awards:
YALSA Teen’s Top Ten 2009
YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2009
ALA Notable Book 2009
Booklist Top Ten Science Fiction/Fantasy for Youth 2009
Children’s Choice Book Award 2009 Teen Finalist
Cybil Award 2008
Indies Choice Book Award 2009 Honor Book
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