By: Suzanne Collins
Level: YA
Book One
Katlinn lives in the shattered remains of North America in the country of Panem. To show how the Capitol has put down rebellion in their colonies there are annual Hunger Games. The games begin with a reaping where one girl and one boy from each district are chosen to participate in the death games. Sixteen-year old Katniss Everdeen has been caretaker of her family since her father died when she was eleven. The only thing she cares about in the world is her sister Prim. When Prim’s name is chosen at the reaping, Katniss volunteers to go instead. In addition, chosen with Katniss is Peeta, the baker’s son. It soon is clear that Peeta cares for Katniss even though she has never known this. This is a complication because during the Hunger Games it is kill or be killed. What will be Katniss’s choice? There is a compelling quality to all of the choices to trust people and to be true to oneself while trying to stay alive in this novel. At the same time, it brings thoughts of ‘Running Man’ and ‘Lord of the Flies’.
