The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

374 pages Trade Paperback (Fiction)

This series was suggested to me by a friend this summer. I teach a reading group of 5th graders and am always looking for interesting books that fit their level of reading. This seemed like the perfect fit. I probably could have read this whole thing in a few days, but was limited to the a few chapters a week. Much to my dismay. I did not want to stop reading.

The book is set in the far future. At some point in the past the United States has been torn apart by civil war and The Capitol now leads the country. 12 districts that live in servitude and squalor produce the things that the capitol consumes.

Katniss lives in district 12 known for its coal production. Each year, to show its dominance over the district, the Capitol has The Hunger Games. Each district is forced to give two teenage children to the games. These kids are then put into an arena that changes each year and then must fight to the death and survive as long as possible. The last one standing earns a life of leisure and bonus supplies for their district. When Katniss’ sister is chosen for the games she steps in to take her place and soon finds her life totally changed. Her father taught her to hunt animals with a bow in the wilderness, but now she has to use those skills to hunt other people.

Collins writes a very intriguing book. Although a couple things bothered me and read as juvenile, over all, the book was really engaging and hard to put down. I might have realized that the book would be a bit much for 5th graders, but overall it has been acceptable. Half of the book is about teenagers hunting each other to kill them, but it isn’t gory and doesn’t focus on the killing.

5 Intellectual/Emotional – The characters are easy to care about and readers quickly become emotionally involved.

3 Style/Readability – Collins writing is intended for young readers. Although nothing is amazing about the writing it was pleasing for an adult as well.

3 Long term Impact – The Hunger Games are already on the bestseller lists and the other books in the series are being read by kids (and adults) across the nation. I don’t think they will get to the levels of Harry Potter, but they are well written and entertaining books that make a lot of comparisons to our own world.

11 out of 13 – Unless you were offended by the subject any reader would find these books worthwhile. If you have children that are interested I would certainly steer them to these books. Anyone with a 5th grade reading level is really in for a treat.

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