YA
Collins, Suzanne. 2008. THE HUNGER GAMES BK. 1. N.Y.: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439023481.
PLOT SUMMARY - ANALYSIS
This fantasy novel is a combination of Olympics and holocaust-like human extermination that takes place in a future where North America is now called Panem. The reader is introduced to Katniss and her friend, Gale, as they are gathering food. Collins’ vivid description of the living conditions, District boundary, and human fragility make this story a heart-pulsing read. The elements of social levels, the hierarchy of the different districts, and the view of human kind in betting against who will win the Hunger Games is a shocking, yet irresistible part of the plot. The setting in the districts and then the gaming environment with human controlled weather and terrain, can be appealing for both gender readers.
The YA elements include Katniss as a family provider after her father’s death, Katniss as protector of her sister, Prim, and Katniss as a competitor in the games. Katniss takes on the role of provider, yet still has the adolescent elements left in her apparent through her relationship with Peeta during the games. She sacrifices herself for the games in order to keep her younger sister safe. Collins sets Katniss up as a likable, tough character who is trying to protect her family by searching for food every day, and trying her hardest during the games to win and return to her family. When she is in training for the games Katniss is bothered that her life is on the line and the Gamemakers are distracted by food so she takes drastic measures to be noticed. “I pull an arrow from my quiver and send it straight at the Gamemakers’ table. I hear shouts of alarm as people stumble back. The arrow skewers the apple in the pig’s mouth and pins it to the wall behind it” (page 182).
Katniss’ experiences with her appearance will also appeal to the readers as she goes from tough hunter to beautiful contestant back to herself. She must sort through all the feelings she has for herself as well as sort through her relationship with both Gale and Peeta.
Collins has created a brilliantly imagined dystopia, where the Capitol is rich and the rest of the country is kept in abject poverty, where the poor battle to the death for the amusement of the rich. (Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2008 (Vol. 76, No. 17)) Katniss experiences manipulation by the Capitol, Haymitch the dress and makeup person, Cina and finally Peeta. This is parallel to how a young adult sometimes feels as if they do not have control of their life, but are told the rules and constraints of their lives by teachers, parents and the government.
The contestant, Rue, and her similarity to Prim (Katniss’ sister) provides an endearing story to give Katniss more feminine and motherly characteristics. The journey through the Hunger Games leaves Katniss more mature, more confused, and utterly torn between her new life with Peeta and her old memories of Gale. Collins leaves the reader wanting more insight into the life of Katniss and her future as a winner of the Hunger games with her sequel Catching Fire.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist starred 09/01/08
Publishers Weekly starred 11/03/08
Horn Book starred 09/01/08
School Library Journal starred 09/01/08
Library Media Connection starred 11/01/10
Wilson Junior High School 01/09/10
New York Times 11/09/08
Wilson’s Senior High School 06/01/10
CONNECTIONS
Marsden, John. 2002. THE OTHER SIDE OR DAWN. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
ISBN 9780618070282
· Partner this as another book where teens use their survival skills to live in an invaded country.
Paulsen, Gary. 1999. HATCHET. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN 9780689826993
· Partner this as a male lead survival story
Ellis, Deborah. 2001. THE BREADWINNER. Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre. ISBN 9780888994196
· Partner this book as a female heroine who dresses as a boy to gather for food for her family in Afghanistan.
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