Summary
In a dystopian future, children from different districts are selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death that is watched live by all citizens. When Katniss Everdeen's younger sister is selected, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is sent to the Capitol in order to be prepared for the games, thrown together with Peeta, a boy from her district. As the games begin, Katniss must try to balance her will survive with her determination not to become a puppet in the Capitol's game.
In a dystopian future, children from different districts are selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death that is watched live by all citizens. When Katniss Everdeen's younger sister is selected, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is sent to the Capitol in order to be prepared for the games, thrown together with Peeta, a boy from her district. As the games begin, Katniss must try to balance her will survive with her determination not to become a puppet in the Capitol's game.
Evaluative comments
From the first pages of The Hunger Games, the reader is immersed in the very distinct world Collins creates. While the plot is well-paced and compellingly intricate, it never supplants the strong character development. Though the writing is slightly uneven at times, the strength of Katniss' character and the suspense and intrigue built up through the novel will not only hook readers until the ending, but will encourage many of them to go out and get the next book in the series. The wide appeal of the novel explains why this series is such a huge phenomenon in the YA publishing world.
From the first pages of The Hunger Games, the reader is immersed in the very distinct world Collins creates. While the plot is well-paced and compellingly intricate, it never supplants the strong character development. Though the writing is slightly uneven at times, the strength of Katniss' character and the suspense and intrigue built up through the novel will not only hook readers until the ending, but will encourage many of them to go out and get the next book in the series. The wide appeal of the novel explains why this series is such a huge phenomenon in the YA publishing world.
Suggested audience
Grades 8-12
Grades 8-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Action-packed, world-building, fast-paced, disturbing, bleak, suspenseful, menacing, gritty
Read-alikes - Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins (series continuation); Birthmarked, Caragh M. O'Brien; Graceling, Kristin Cashore
Appeal terms - Action-packed, world-building, fast-paced, disturbing, bleak, suspenseful, menacing, gritty
Read-alikes - Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins (series continuation); Birthmarked, Caragh M. O'Brien; Graceling, Kristin Cashore
Booktalking hook
Set up the story by describing the history and premise the annual Hunger Games.
Set up the story by describing the history and premise the annual Hunger Games.
Reason for inclusion
This book is the first entry in one of the most popular and bestelling YA series of the last decade.
Awards and Honours (selection) - Cybil Award - Fantasy & Science Fiction, 2008; YALSA'S Teens' Top Ten, 2009; A Kirkus Best Book, 2008; ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Selection
This book is the first entry in one of the most popular and bestelling YA series of the last decade.
Awards and Honours (selection) - Cybil Award - Fantasy & Science Fiction, 2008; YALSA'S Teens' Top Ten, 2009; A Kirkus Best Book, 2008; ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Selection
Category
Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror, Controversial/Challenged/Banned, Award-Winning
Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror, Controversial/Challenged/Banned, Award-Winning
