The Hunger Games

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Rating:  2

Summary:  Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 of Panem.  Every year, the capital demands two tributes from each of the twelve districts to enter into what the call, the Hunger Games.  The capital watches it as a reality show, but in reality, the purpose of the Hunger Games is to show the districts that they are in charge.  Katniss is at the reaping, when her little sister’s name is called, but she couldn’t live with herself if she let her go, so Katniss volunteers to take her place.  She travels to the capital, and prepares for the Hunger Games.  Despite all odds, Katniss wins the Hunger Games through her survival skills.

  In Catching Fire, Katniss is required to return to the Hunger Games, but this time there’s an alternative goal.  This Hunger Game is nightmarish, and Katniss meets her death at almost every corner.  In Mockingjay, Katniss has been rescued from the Hunger Games, and chosen to be the face of the rebellion, to take down President Snow.

Violence and gore:  There are people who are killed in the series.  They’re blown up, drowned, stabbed, and killed.  Peeta’s leg is torn up, and it ends up having to be amputated.  Katniss accompanies a twelve year old as she dies.  Cato is torn up by wolf mutants, Clove is killed by a rock being smashed into her head.  Peeta chokes Katniss.

Sexual content:  Peeta and Katniss sleep together, but nothing happens.  Katniss kisses both Gale and Peeta.

Morals:  The Hunger Games deals heavily with war.  It explores the effects of war on mothers, children, government, the middle class, and soldiers.  It explores the price and sacrifice that others pay for freedom.

Girls, 13-14 years old, dystopian