Module 8- SLIS 5420

The Hunger Games
By Suzanne Collins

Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York: Scholastic Press.

Summary

In what’s left of the United States, there is Panem, made up of 12 districts and the Capitol. As all the districts struggle to stay alive, with little food or resources and a hard line of oppression, the Capitol remains as the shining center of everything. People there are wealthy and know nothing of hunger or poverty, as they live lavish and unaffected lives. As part of the cruelty of the Capitol, the Hunger Games are forced upon all districts, in which one boy and one girl from each district are forced to fight each other to the death. The one who remains is the victor, and to the victor go the spoils. After 16 year old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her little sister’s place in the Games, she must learn how to survive without losing everything she is and everyone she cares about.

Impressions

I don’t know where to begin….this book truly amazed and controlled me from the first chapter! I could not put it down! It was the best book I think I have read, maybe EVER, and if not, then the best one I can remember, anyway. I was sucked into the story quickly and it consumed me until the last page. Of course, then I had to immediately start the second one. The characters are so believable in this story, with real struggles and real emotions, just as anyone in their situations would have. Although the premise of the Games is a little farfetched, the reader is still given the feeling something this sinister could happen sometime in the future. The author’s use of the media, mixed with glamourous lifestyles of untouchable people (as we see celebrities), is very relatable to our society. The undertones that Collins uses throughout the series leave the reader wanting more.

Reviews

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."

Baird, J. (2008). The Hunger Games. School Library Journal, 54(9), 176-177.

Imagine Survivor, with kids, televised in real time with the entire country watching. And instead of being voted off the island, you're locked in a death match till the last kid is left standing. For a sheer thrill ride that's bound to hook teens and adults, and for its mordant social commentary, this novel gets my vote.

Roback, D. (2009). The Hunger Games. Publishers Weekly, 256(1), 24.

Suggestions for Use

This book might not be well-suited for an actual library lesson; however, middle school students could use the story to jump start a persuasive/expository writing activity. At the end of the book, Katniss makes a choice about whether to end her life by eating poisonous berries. Students will decide their answer to this question: If you were Katniss, what would you have done? Eaten the berries? Killed Peeta? Exactly what she did in the story? Explain your feelings and why you would make this choice.