Author: Suzanne Colins

Publisher: Scholastic

A dystopian masterpiece. In what once was North America, the capitol Panem maintains control over its twelve surrounding districts. Once a year, one boy and one girl is selected at random from each district, known as tributes, to compete in the Hunger Games, a televised event in which the tributes must fight to the death. The book begins the day of the reaping of the 74th Hunger games. To be eligible for the reaping, children must be aged between 12 and 18. The book follows tributes, Katniss Everdeen and Peter Mellark as they compete with twenty-two other tributes in the 74th Hunger games. The second book begins during the victors tour of the districts. After the tour, readers are transported to the beginnings of the 75th Hunger games. Prior to the reaping the rules are announced for the quarter quell. Every twenty-five years, the rules of the games are altered. In the past the number of tributes were doubled and for another quarter quell, the districts were forced to vote on the tributes that would represent their district. For the 75th games, the tributes are to be reaped from existing victors. The third, and final, book follows the districts rebellion against the capitol.

This popular series is a must-read for all pre-teens. When your child has finished reading the series, there are four film adaptations to enjoy. An excellent way to encourage reading in children is to allow them to watch the film adaptations after finishing the book. This motivates your child to read and rewards them at the end!

In 2020, Suzanne Colins wrote a prequel to the Hunger games titles, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This spin-off follows one of the first Hunger games. A film adaptation is coming November 2023.

Books in order

1. The Hunger Games (2008)

2. Catching Fire (2009)

3. Mockingjay (2010)

4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020)

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