Module 15: The Hunger Games

Book Summary:

The USA no longer exists, instead we have Panem and 12 districts. Each district is responsible for producing one of the major resources needed for survival. The districts live in strict almost poor conditions while Panem (the capital) lives in riches and luxury. Are the hunger games necessary or just a ploy to keep the districts in line. Is the government their to protect its citizens or is their more to the situation. Does President Snow have the welfare of the country in his best interest?  Life is never fair and things are not always what they seem. Katnis knows that and is determined to make things right.

Book Citation:

Collins, Suzanne, (2010). Hunger Games.Scholastic Book Press: New York

Impressions:

This was the first Dystopian novel I read and I was intrigued with a world that could be so different and yet very similar to the one we live in. It made me think of what is and what could be. As I read about this world I found I wanted to know more and more. I was amazed at how the author could create a world so detailed as this.The story made me question a lot of things, I wondered how a man, a president could run a country like this and not feel bad for those in the districts and let the capital people run around being so careless and shallow.

Reviews:

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up -In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's 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.' Book one of a planned trilogy.Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Henriksen Baird, Jane. (2010).The Hunger Games. School Library Journal. 55(12).

 Library Uses:

This would be great to include in a unit about dystopia. This could also be used to teach different types of government.