Module 15: The Hunger Games

Bibliography:

Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.   

Book Summary:

 Katniss lives in Panem, what used to be North America. It is divided into twelve districts, and as punishment for their ancestors uprising, two children from each district must be given as tributes to fight gladiator style to the death. When the name of her sister is drawn, Katniss volunteers as tribute, and embarks on an adventure that will change her life forever. 

My Thoughts:

Wow. I mean really, just wow. What can I say about THG that hasn't already been said? The pace of the book was so fast that I literally devoured it in a matter of hours. The connection with the characters and their plight is intense, and becoming wrapped up in the story in inevitable. I know that it gets challenged quite a bit, but I think it has so much to offer young readers that I hope it never gets banned. 

Professional Reviews:

*-In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in TheHunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 14 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator." Book one of a planned trilogy.

Baird, H. (2008). [Review of the book The hunger games by Suzanne Collins]. School Library Journal, 54(9), 176-177.

* Survivor meets "The Lottery" as the author of the popular Underland Chronicles returns with what promises to be an even better series. The United States is no more, and the new Capitol, high in the Rocky Mountains, requires each district to send two teenagers, a boy and a girl, to participate in the annualHunger Games, a reality show from which only one of the twenty-four participants will emerge victorious -- and alive. When her younger sister is chosen by lottery to represent their district, Katniss volunteers to go in her stead, while Peeta, who secretly harbors a crush on Katniss, is the boy selected to join her. A fierce, resourceful competitor who wins the respect of the other participants and the viewing public, Katniss also displays great compassion and vulnerability through her first-person narration. The plot is front and center here -- the twists and turns are addictive, particularly when the romantic subplot ups the ante -- yet the Capitol's oppression and exploitation of the districts always simmers just below the surface, waiting to be more fully explored in future volumes. Collins has written a compulsively readable blend of science fiction, survival story, unlikely romance, and social commentary.

Hunt, J. (2008). [Review of the book The hunger games by Suzanne Collins]. Horn Book Magazine, 84(5), 580.

Suggested Activities:

Lead a discussion with teens about what they would do if they were in Katniss' situation. Having a THG themed event where everyone dressed as their favorite character would also be a fun activity to do. 

Image link: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/ab/Hunger_games.jpg/200px-Hunger_games.jpg