The place exists in the not so distant future after a total collapse of the civilization that we know used to be. The 12 districts of Panem are governed by the Capitol city and it's President, President Snow and the Hunger Games are used as a reminder to all inhabitants of Panem that rising up against the government has deadly consequences. So, once a year the games are played and aired on television live for all to see. Each of the 12 districts hold a lottery before each year's games to draw the tributes for the game- one male and one female between the ages of 12 and 16. This year, the unlucky female tribute that was chosen is Primrose Everdeen, sister of Katniss Everdeen. After her sister's name is drawn, much to her horror, Katniss runs toward the stage and volunteers to take her place.
At the heart of the story is the love that Katniss feels for her friends and family. It is a story of a young woman who finds herself playing the role of the breadwinner for her family after her father is killed in a mining accident. She is intelligent, tenacious, and determined to do the unthinkable- win the Hunger Games. In order to do that, she will have to use her impressive hunting skills to kill other human beings, other children.
The story is action packed, so that even reluctant readers in the middle of the tween age range will stay engaged. Themes of romantic love, affection and friendship are explored while the the protagonist tries to figure out how she feels about male figures in her life. The story does contain violence that may make some parents uneasy, but Katniss thinks about these issues and contextualizes them for the reader. Overall, the story is a fantastic and engaging example of the science fiction genre.
Collins, Suzanne. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press. 374 pages. ISBN: 978-0-439-02352-8
Ages: 12+
Rating: Outstanding
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