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)
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5 comments:
Just starting to read. Also reading the Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma.
Great book! I would recommend it for everyone. Has something for everyone romance, action, adventure. Everyone should read this book!!!!
The Hunger Games is by far the best book I’ve read in a while. Another similar series is the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Series which is about a boy destined to save the world he knows from demons with his companions, Wolf and Renn. He can speak wolf which is interesting and a fact that makes this series great.
I am so glad that so many students have been enjoying this series. It is a favorite of teachers as well!
I was looking for some summer reading books in our library in June, my heart set particularly on The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, after hearing so much praise from both students AND teachers. I wasn't surprised to see they'd already been scooped up, so Mrs. Heilmann was very generous and lent me her copy of The Hunger Games. I had some other books in the works so I didn't get to it until about a week ago, and in a way I am glad I saved it. It did not disappoint! All the reviews I'd heard and read were right on and I've since recommended it to all of my family members and friends and now to you!!!
Have fun with your summer reading, can’t wait to hear your reviews!
Mrs. Mainella
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