The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games.  By Suzanne Collins. Scholastic Press, 2008.  384 pages.

Plot: The novel’s setting is in the territory of Panem, formerly the United States, and a dozen districts that make up this country. This postapocalyptic setting is one filled with struggle and strife.  The Capitol, the controlling entity of this setting, has created a competition each year called the Hunger Games, to pit territory against territory, a fight to the death.  What comes to be understood is that these games are a product of the Capitol attempting to “still” the past actions of those who spoke against the “powers” that be.  It appears the Hunger Games might well be  a “reminder” to all participants and residents of who has control.  As the story begins, we meet our young female protagonist, Katniss, who has decided to take the place of her younger sister and place herself in the arena of competition instead.  The plot throws the reader into the center of the action as we follow Katniss through the dangerous competition where the struggle to survive is a minute by minute challenge.  Inserted into this storyline is the character of Peeta, a sensitive young man, also representing the same territory as Katniss.  The Hunger Games are a bloody event televised for the voyeuristic curiosity of territorial audiences.  As the games continue, Katniss is faced with challenge after challenge, barely surviving, yet calling upon the memories of home and the powers of her mind and heart, to beat the Capitol at their own game. Will she succeed?  Will she come to understand the confusions of her own heart?  Will she find renewed strength through the relentless challenges placed in front of her? Who, in the end, has control?  Let the games begin.

Review/Personal thoughts:  This novel’s gripping plot grabs you from the first page as you find yourself in the midst of Katniss’ struggles.  The story is layered with commentary on social hierarchies, the “haves” and “have-nots”, the challenge of poverty, the desire to rebel in a world that silences you, the resiliency of spirit, the desire to remain loyal and true to one’s convictions, and the power of love.  It is also a novel loaded with contradiction as the reader, while following the action of the games, is well aware that this is bloody entertainment to keep the people “in their place”.  The tragedy is that the games exist at all, pitting territory against territory, human vs. human, who have no say in the existence of such a brutal competition.  The question constantly exists of “why is this even happening?”, “why are people forced to be in such a blood bath?”  And yet, in the midst of this contradiction, the reader is rooting for Katniss and Peeta to survive in a battle you wish would never exist at all.  This is an excellent novel that tweens are sharing with one another. There is a commitment to Katniss and her journey, a desire to watch this powerful young protagonist take on any challenge placed in front of her. As each page is read, Katniss has an ally in the reader.  

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading Level: 5.3  Interest level: Ages 11 and up

Awards: ALA 2009 Best Books for Young Adults

Best Tween Books 2008

Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominees 2011: Tween Books