The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic Press, 2008, 384 pp, $17.99, Adventure, Science Fiction, ISBN: 0439023483
I have been dreading writing this review… because The Hunger Games is one of the all-time best books I’ve ever read and I know that nothing I can write will do it justice. Nevertheless, I’m going to give it a shot!
The Hunger Games is set in the futuristic nation of Panem, a land that was once known as the United States of America. Panem’s Capitol controls the 12 surrounding districts with an iron fist. The citizens of Panem are completely at the mercy of the whims of the Capitol, most notably through their yearly ritual: The Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games are “played” by 24 different young adults, one male and one female from each district, chosen at random. Once all 24 tributes have been chosen, they are plucked and prodded and paraded before the adoringly vicious crowds in the Capitol. Then finally, they are sent to fight each other to the death in the Arena.
Katniss, the heroine of this story, actually volunteered to become a tribute in the games, in the place of her 12-year-old sister who had been chosen in the lottery. This scene played out immediately after she stepped up to the stage…
To the everlasting credit of the people of District 12, not one person claps. Not even the ones holding the betting slips, the ones who are usually beyond caring. Possibly because they know me from the Hob, or knew my father, or have encountered Prim, who no one can help loving. So instead of acknowledging applause, I stand there unmoving while they take part in the boldest form of dissent they can manage. Silence. Which says we do not agree. We do not condone. All of this is wrong.
Then something unexpected happens. At least, I don’t expect it because I don’t think of district 12 as a place that cares about me. But… at first one, then another, and then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district… It means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love.
Katniss is an easy character to fall in love with—self-reliant, fiercely protective, daring, brave, and brilliant in the Games. It is easy to see how she quickly wins the hearts of those around her—even some of those who have pledged to kill her.
The Hunger Games is a story of mystery, suspense, adventure, treachery, and romance. Crack the book open to the first page and you will find yourself reading breathlessly—while driving the car, in the bathtub, and under the covers—until the very last page. After reading the conclusion, which will be like nothing you ever anticipated, you will most likely drive to the nearest bookstore and buy Catching Fire, the sequel. Male or female, young or old, insatiable reader or book-phobic, this is truly a story for everyone. It’s no wonder that this book has won nearly every award possible over the past year!
I would recommend The Hunger Games to any middle or high school teacher. It could be used to teach conflict, character traits, plot development, and context clues, along with themes of control, coming of age, and overcoming obstacles. It could also be used in a Social Studies classroom that was studying systems of government. My one caution for teachers would be to have a plan in place for teaching vocabulary prior to diving into this novel. Although the story is gripping, the vocabulary is advanced and could be a real stumbling block for less advanced readers.
After you or your students finish The Hunger Games, here are a few suggestions for other books with similar elements of science fiction, fantasy, and strong-willed leading ladies. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore, is a fast-paced fantasy story about Katsa, a girl with a “Grace.” Katsa’s grace is the gift of fighting and although she has grown up trying to hide it, she must ultimately use her grace to save the people around her. The Maximum Ride series, by James Patterson, features Max, a science-experiment turned surrogate mother to her band of “adopted” brothers and sisters. I believe all of the books above would be best for upper middle school or high school students.
One last word about The Hunger Games… Go read it! You won’t be sorry.
PS: Many Hunger Games fans have made a game out of predicting casting choices. After reading the book, who would your picks be?
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This was one of my favorite books too! We used it in our Battle of the Books competition at our high school and many of the students said it was the best book on the list. If you liked this book, you might try The Maze Runner.
ReplyDeleteThe Maze Runner is a great idea! And The Knife of Never Letting Go! I wish I had thought of those... both have male main characters with females more as their sidekicks... but both are awesome science fiction!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that the people of District 12 give their silent disapproval...that's one of my favorite quotes as well. It speaks of more to come, an underlying rebelliousness that Katniss, who spends so little time interacting with her fellow townspeople, being an intentional loner as she is, didn't know they had. She underestimates them, I think, and even when they do make their disapproval evident, she is surprised and thinks it only has to do with "maybe they like me" rather than the fact that they philosphically oppose the Capitol. Anyway, GREAT review! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI just got done reading this book and it was amazing. From the beginning I was a little hesitant reading a book with a little girl as the main character but I immediately felt like i knew this girl, she was equally appealing to male and female readers. I am so happy that you recommended this book. Awesome. Thanks :)
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