The Hunger Games Series

Perhaps you've heard of the book, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. You might know this author from her other series, The Underland Chronicles, book one being: Gregor the Overlander. Here at the AMS Library, The Hunger Games is an 8th grade book. This exciting first book in the series is beloved by many students and teachers as well. In this future world, the United States is no more. Instead, a country named Panem is divided into 12 "districts". We follow Katniss as she takes her younger sister's place and competes in the Hunger Games. The games are named such because the winner's district is blessed with food in a world in which resources are scarce. The games involve fierce fighting on a humongous fabricated field. The last two contestants standing are the victors and will make their districts famous. All of Pamen is required to view this televised event.

Collins' writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seat, hungry for more, (no pun intended). The chapters often end in the cliffhanger style. We have a few copies of The Hunger Games at AMS, but they are often checked out. You can fill out a green reserve slip to get on the list to read it next.

School Library Journal gave The Hunger Games a starred review. Their review says,"Collins' 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."

The second book in the series, Catching Fire, was just released. The buzz is that it is just as exciting as the first! I am currently reading this exciting sequel. Collins plans to write a third book to make this trilogy complete.

We also have other dystopias in our library. What is a dystopia? It is a world in which things have gone wrong. There can be famine, crop failure, people may be enslaved and an all-powerful body has total control. The Giver by Lois Lowry, a book that grade 8 Reading students explore, is another example of a dystopia.

New books, (most are for 8th grade), that are also dystopias at the AMS Library:

Fearless by Tim Lott

Compound by S. A. Boden

Gone by Michael Grant

Gem X by Nicky Singer

Truesight by David Stahler Jr.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (author of Scribbler of Dreams)

Zenith by Julie Bertagna (the sequel to Exodus)

What have you been reading?

OK- now that the school year has begun to roll along, what are you reading?

Here's what I've been reading so far this school year:

1. Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, grade 7, 8, realistic fiction
Funny, funny, funny! Girls will especially identify with Lily B! This book is the first in a series.

2. Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen (sequel to Touching Spirit Bear), grade 7, 8 realistic fiction
If you loved Touching Spirit Bear, you will enjoy this sequel.

3. Inside Out by Terry Trueman, gr. 8, realistic fiction
A quick, intense story about making the right decisions.

4. A Traitor Among Us by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Durng WWII, who is the traitor in Pieter's village?

5. Mudshark by Gary Paulsen, grade 6, realistic fiction
A brand new book that will leave you laughing and puzzling over the mysteries along with Mudshark.

6. Tiger, Tiger by Lynn Reid Banks, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Two tiger cub brothers are separated in ancient Rome. One leads the pampered life of the Emperor's daughter and the other must perform at the Coliseum. Will they ever be reunited?

7. The Not Just Anybody Family by Betsy Byars, grade 6, realistic fiction
The hijinks of the Blossom family are described here.

8. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, grade 8, science fiction
The long-awaited sequel to The Hunger Games! Exciting and action-packed.

9. Kathryn, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman, grade 6-8, historical fiction
A teen's life in England in the year 1290 as she tries to avoid acting ladylike, sewing and possible suitors.

10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
Greg Heffley is back in all his wimpy glory with a summer of hanging poolside trying to look cool, avoiding Fregley and having other laugh out loud adventures!

11. Season of Gifts by Richard Peck, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Grandma Dowdel is back and she is still packing heat at 90. Should her new neighbors be scared, or glad to have her next door?

12. A Company of Fools by Deborah Ellis, grade 6-8, historical fiction
The year is 1348 in France. Henri is not prepared for Micah's arrival, the orphan with the angelic voice. He's also not prepared for the plague that sweeps through Europe which brings death and destruction.

13. The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
Chiara and Silvano, two teenagers sent away from home are drawn together and try to solve a string of murders before the murderer stikes again. This book takes place in Renaissance Italy.

14. The Humming of Numbers by Jodi Sensel, grade 8, historical fiction
Aiden is curious about the woman brought to the monastery, accused of witchcraft. Just exactly who is she?

15. Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper, grade 8, historical fiction
Mary Hooper is hung for infanticide and survives!

16. Kidnapped, Book 1: Abduction by Gordan Korman, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
When Aiden's younger sister Meg is kidnapped, can he help assist the FBI to bring her home?

17. Incantation by Alice Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
What life was like during the Spanish Inquisition for one family who hid their Jewish heritage for fear of death.

18. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer, grade 8, dystopia
How the world falls apart when an asteroid knocks the moon out of place.

What book are you buried in and how are you enjoying it? I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

-Ms. Ekstrom