The Hunger Games

 

Book: The Hunger Games 

Author: Suzanne Collins 

Illustrator: N/A 

Genre: Science Fiction 

Major Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book, CCBC Choices, New York Times Notable Children's book

Age Group: 6-12

Summary:   

What was once known as North America is now Panem. Panem is divided into 12 districts and in order to maintain balance among them and punish the people from a previous rebellion, they host the Hunger Games. In the Hunger Games, a boy and girl from each district is selected to compete in a televised event in which all tributes must fight to the death until only one remains as victor. We follow the story of Katniss Everdeen who volunteers as tribute when her little sister Primrose is selected. She, with only her hunting skills, struggles in trying to prepare for the game, gain sponsors/people's support, and find the strength to survive so that she can make it back home to her sister. Katniss experiences some grueling stuff including having to kill others and experiencing the death of one of her comrades. After an announcement is made that there can be two victors from the same district, Katniss heads out to find the other district 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark. After working together, they reach the end and believe they won the Hunger Games, only for it to be announced that there can only be one winner now. Neither Katniss nor Peeta want to kill each other so Katniss pulls out poisonous berries so that they can commit suicide in an act of defiance against Panem. Right as they are going to eat them, the announcers stop them and declares both of them as winners. The book thus ends ends with both Katniss and Peeta arriving back home to district 12 as victors. 

Evaluation and Comments: 

I remember being absolutely obsessed with this book when it first came out. The overall concept and the character growth Katniss goes through, roped me and made me so invested in the series. This is one example of a dystopian science fiction book that till this day, has gained a tremendous fanbase and will continue to touch the life's of many readers. 

And with that, this book is most definitely not for young children! With the violence and dark themes this book talks about, it is more suitable for older children, preferably middle to high school. Despite the violence, this is a great book about fighting for what's right and having the strength to continue pushing forward even though all odds seem against you. If you are doing a history lesson over types of governments, you could have students read this book and talk about what type of government the book represents. You could also have many class discussions that allow students to discuss their thoughts/feelings over the main ideas of the book. 

In conclusion, in the context of a younger elementary classroom, The Hunger Games does not have my seal of approval. However, if we're talking about older children, it sure does! 🥇😄