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1. Bibliographic Information
Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic Press.
374 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-02348-1
2. Plot Summary
Katniss Everdeen is a poor, sixteen year old girl living in District 12 of Panem under the Capitol’s regime. Although Katniss is well aware of the abuses and unfairness of her situation, she accepts her fate given her need to protect her younger sister Prim. However, on this particular morning is the drawing for the Hunger Games. To ensure each district’s obeisance, the Capitol requires two volunteers from each district to participate in the annual Hunger Games. There, a boy and girl from each district will fight to the death in an arena filled with danger. With the rest of the world watching, the teens must use their ingenuity as well as their physical skill to survive. The victor will be considered a hero and that person, along with their district will lavish in the wealth of prizes sustained by the other districts. Unfortunately, District 12 has never been known for its fighting skills. Nevertheless, when Katniss hears her sister’s name called, she immediately steps forward in her stead. Peeta, the Baker’s son is also picked to go. Together the two teens are forced to compete against the rest of the districts, but only one can be named the winner.
3. Critical Evaluation
The Hunger Games is a great book for teens. Author Suzanne Collins creates a book with interesting characters, great atmosphere, social commentary, and action to keep readers enticed. As a character, Katniss is somewhat of an enigma. Like most teenagers, she does not necessarily know what she wants. What makes her different though is Collins’ ability to put her in a situation which forces her to act before thinking of the consequences. Furthermore, Collins’ dark futuristic society, which rules with an iron fist, seems very realistic. While some readers might scoff at the believability of reinstating a sort of gladiator game in real life, Collins’ forces readers to rethink how we view not only politics but media as a whole. By televising each aspect of the Hunger Games, Collins allows readers to see how much “Reality” Television permeates this society, thus drawing obvious connections to our own. Lastly, Collins’ book is filled with action that both require physical and mental toughness. Overall an exciting read.
4. Reader’s Annotation
In a futuristic gladiator’s arena, Katniss is forced to fight for her life. The Hunger Games will change her forever.
5. Information about the Author
Suzanne Collins worked in television before becoming an author. As an author she has written books for children as well as teens. Her novels include Gregor the Overlander the first in the Underland Chronicles, as well as the sequels to the Hunger Games entitled Catching Fire and Mockingjay, respectively. She currently lives in Connecticut.
6. Genre
Science Fiction
7. Curriculum Ties
While this book has a distinct message about politics and government, I see this book being used for an English class or an outside reading book.
8. Booktalking Ideas
- Explain how Katniss’ experiences throughout the book change her perception of the Capitol?
- What are some of the overall themes that Suzanne Collins explores in The Hunger Games?
9. Reading Level
I think that due to the themes, the characters ages and the writing style, this novel would be best for older teens aged 15-18.
10. Challenge Issues
This novel does explore themes of oppressive totalitarian governments, as well as somewhat gruesome examples of violence and murder. While, I feel that these themes are crucial in establishing a realistic novel, some people might not agree. Therefore, if anyone wished to challenge this book, I would refer them to the ALA’s website for more information including a challenge form, found at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic Press.
374 pages
ISBN: 978-0-439-02348-1
2. Plot Summary
Katniss Everdeen is a poor, sixteen year old girl living in District 12 of Panem under the Capitol’s regime. Although Katniss is well aware of the abuses and unfairness of her situation, she accepts her fate given her need to protect her younger sister Prim. However, on this particular morning is the drawing for the Hunger Games. To ensure each district’s obeisance, the Capitol requires two volunteers from each district to participate in the annual Hunger Games. There, a boy and girl from each district will fight to the death in an arena filled with danger. With the rest of the world watching, the teens must use their ingenuity as well as their physical skill to survive. The victor will be considered a hero and that person, along with their district will lavish in the wealth of prizes sustained by the other districts. Unfortunately, District 12 has never been known for its fighting skills. Nevertheless, when Katniss hears her sister’s name called, she immediately steps forward in her stead. Peeta, the Baker’s son is also picked to go. Together the two teens are forced to compete against the rest of the districts, but only one can be named the winner.
3. Critical Evaluation
The Hunger Games is a great book for teens. Author Suzanne Collins creates a book with interesting characters, great atmosphere, social commentary, and action to keep readers enticed. As a character, Katniss is somewhat of an enigma. Like most teenagers, she does not necessarily know what she wants. What makes her different though is Collins’ ability to put her in a situation which forces her to act before thinking of the consequences. Furthermore, Collins’ dark futuristic society, which rules with an iron fist, seems very realistic. While some readers might scoff at the believability of reinstating a sort of gladiator game in real life, Collins’ forces readers to rethink how we view not only politics but media as a whole. By televising each aspect of the Hunger Games, Collins allows readers to see how much “Reality” Television permeates this society, thus drawing obvious connections to our own. Lastly, Collins’ book is filled with action that both require physical and mental toughness. Overall an exciting read.
4. Reader’s Annotation
In a futuristic gladiator’s arena, Katniss is forced to fight for her life. The Hunger Games will change her forever.
5. Information about the Author
Suzanne Collins worked in television before becoming an author. As an author she has written books for children as well as teens. Her novels include Gregor the Overlander the first in the Underland Chronicles, as well as the sequels to the Hunger Games entitled Catching Fire and Mockingjay, respectively. She currently lives in Connecticut.
6. Genre
Science Fiction
7. Curriculum Ties
While this book has a distinct message about politics and government, I see this book being used for an English class or an outside reading book.
8. Booktalking Ideas
- Explain how Katniss’ experiences throughout the book change her perception of the Capitol?
- What are some of the overall themes that Suzanne Collins explores in The Hunger Games?
9. Reading Level
I think that due to the themes, the characters ages and the writing style, this novel would be best for older teens aged 15-18.
10. Challenge Issues
This novel does explore themes of oppressive totalitarian governments, as well as somewhat gruesome examples of violence and murder. While, I feel that these themes are crucial in establishing a realistic novel, some people might not agree. Therefore, if anyone wished to challenge this book, I would refer them to the ALA’s website for more information including a challenge form, found at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
11. Why was it selected?
Of all the books we read for our class, this one was my favorite.
12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Of all the books we read for our class, this one was my favorite.
12. Citations
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Collins, S. (2010). Biography. Retrieved from http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/
Collins, S. (2010). The hunger games. Retrieved from http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/the_hunger_games_69765.htm
13. Awards
Include but are not limited to:
NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2008
AN AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
TOP TEN BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS SELECTION
AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
2009 ALA AMELIA BLOOMER PROJECT LIST
#1 ON WINTER '08/'09 CHILDREN'S INDIE NEXT LIST
INDIES CHOICE--BEST INDIE YOUNG ADULT BUZZ BOOK HONOR
2008 CYBIL AWARD--FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION
2009 CHILDREN'S CHOICE BOOK AWARD
TEEN CHOICE BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST
NYPL “STUFF FOR THE TEEN AGE” LIST, 2009
CCBC CHOICES 2009
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE
KIRKUS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF 2008
Include but are not limited to:
NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2008
AN AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
TOP TEN BEST BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS SELECTION
AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
2009 ALA AMELIA BLOOMER PROJECT LIST
#1 ON WINTER '08/'09 CHILDREN'S INDIE NEXT LIST
INDIES CHOICE--BEST INDIE YOUNG ADULT BUZZ BOOK HONOR
2008 CYBIL AWARD--FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION
2009 CHILDREN'S CHOICE BOOK AWARD
TEEN CHOICE BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST
NYPL “STUFF FOR THE TEEN AGE” LIST, 2009
CCBC CHOICES 2009
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE
KIRKUS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF 2008
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