The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - ESSENTIAL

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins,384 pages Scholastic Press, 2009.

Language~G, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG-13

MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

In her newest novel, Suzanne Collins thrusts readers into a world filled with fear, violence, sensationalism, and selfishness. Ironically however, the world of the Hunger Games also embraces friendship, love, and self sacrifice. In a future world North America has been reduced to a Capitol and 12 districts. Once a year the Capitol host the Hunger Games in which 24 adolescents, a boy and girl from each district, compete in a battle to the death while Panam looks on via live video broadcasts. This is Reality TV at its deadliest and most violent. Collins tells the story through a 16 year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen who lives in the twelfth district of Panam. Once the Hunger Games begin the reader will be unable to tear themselves away. Readers will wait with bated breath for the next installment of Katniss’ story.

This novel is filled with violence, panic, terror, and takes the reader on a ride for their life as they see themselves in Katniss’ positions. Due to the violence and frequent killings that are part of the Hunger Games, this book should be recommended to older readers and will not be for everyone. The audio production of the novel is excellent and highly recommended.

Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Librarian