“Awesome!! When is the second book coming out?” That is what I thought while reading and after finishing The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. In this age of reality TV, with backstabbing, lying, cheating and humiliation, the idea of the Hunger Games is all too appealing. Just the description of the Hunger Games will probably interest any student. From the beginning of the story, Katniss lets us into her life and introduces us to the “future” of North America. We know her thoughts, struggles and find out how she has survived while many others haven’t. We meet her community and their way of life. After a few short pages, I was already rooting for Katniss, and all of the oppressed citizens, to triumph over the futuristic and totalitarian Capitol. But I had no idea if or how she could succeed.
Suzanne Collins has put so much into this story to make it excruciating and entertaining at the same time. I am usually pretty good at predicting outcomes or twists, but I could not predict this story’s development. There are so many difficult choices that confront Katniss and the other contenders. Yet, as the Hunger Games progress it gets harder for readers to choose for whom to cheer, because that means the others have to die. Also, the world Katniss has lived in continues developing with frequent background information. The publishers are marketing The Hunger Games to ages 12+, or grades 7+. I agree with the age appropriateness, with one caution. There is just barely enough gore and blood sprayed at the readers’ face to scare young-minded twelve-year-olds. The scary gore is presented in the way a person was hurt, to the description of their wounds. Even though the protagonist is a girl, there is enough action, friendship and suspense to keep most readers interested.
Everything about The Hunger Games is great. It has the elements that make blockbuster movies: a developed plot, appealing characters, action, adventure, romance and an unknown outcome. The Hunger Games was well written and easy to follow. Collins’ vivid description made events, places and people real. The content could be a good starting point for inhumane treatment and utopia-centered discussions. I highly recommend The Hunger Games for middle school libraries and even high school libraries.
I can’t wait for the sequel!
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Posted by Kristin