The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed by Lori
Hunger Games
Title:  The Hunger Games

Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Author: Suzanne Collins

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 30907

Description: In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition that pits young people against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss is challenged, when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

Rubric Rating: Level 3: Laud It

Why I Read It: There were so many people talking about this novel and recommending it, I thought I better get on the bandwagon.

Lori's Notes: In order to protect her sister Prim, Katniss volunteers to take her place in the Hunger Games.  Before the games begin, Peeta, the boy chosen from her district, confesses to having a crush on Katniss.  She thinks this is just Peeta's strategy for the game.  However, it gives them both an opportunity to survive. Something that has never before happened in the games.  However, this may put Peeta and Katniss in even more danger.  While I found the beginning of this novel a little slow the pace picked up very quickly and I found myself very invested in the characters.  There is quite a lot of violence in this book -- seeing as kids and teens are killing each other - however, the main character Katniss doesn't actively try to kill any of the other competitors.  Her actions are in self-defence rather than to win the game.  Her acts of compassion show those watching the inhumanity of the games and begins the prospect of revolutionary change.  However, Katniss' motives are nothing more than survival.

Recommended Readers: Because of the graphic nature of the violence I would recommend this book for Grade 9 and up.

Themes:  Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Survival, Freedom, Friendship, Love, Family, Perseverance, Sister, Self-Sacrifice, Reality TV, Government Surveillance, Oppression, Class Division.

Cross-Genre Links: 
Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)
Music: Invincible by Pat Benatar
Google Image Search: Panem

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics: 

  • Where is Panem and what are the districts?
  • If you could choose a district to live in, which one would it be and why?
  • Make a circular graphic organizer of the districts and the commodities it produces.  Create a logo for one of the districts.  Don't foget to place the capitol in the middle.
  • Why has the Capitol instituted the Hunger Games and how does it keep the districts under control?
  • Would you ever sacrifice yourself if you could save someone else? 
  • How does Peeta and Katniss' relationship change the games?

Other Books in The Hunger Games Trilogy:


Other Support Materials:
Hunger Games Teacher's Guide
Hunger Games on Playaway Audio



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