Monday, September 7, 2009

Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Katniss, Peeta, Haymitch and Gale are some of the main characters in this series. (Books 1 and 2 are currently available.)

The Hunger Games take place annually in the nation of Panem, a futuristic country. They are held to remind people what happens when they try to resist. A boy and a girl are chosen from each of the 12 districts to fight in the arena until all but one are dead. That means 23 kids have to be killed by each other or by the elements/situations within the arena (kind of a Survivor meets Gladiator thing).

These books are very good...albeit disturbing at times. Even though it's science fiction, it has a ring of truth to it that makes it even more disconcerting. I think it'd be a great series to read and discuss with others. There are so many implications for society embedded within the text.

Recommended audience: inclined to say Gr 8 and up, but depends on the child

Genre: science fiction

Topics: social injustice, resistance, relationships, things not as they seem, evil rulers, survival, making decisions

Mrs. Beckwith's rating: 5 of 5

Amazon Reviews for The Hunger Games

Amazon Reviews for Catching Fire

1 comment:

  1. Extremely good book! I loved it! I can't wait to read the second one

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