The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Written by: Suzanne Collins
Published by: Scholastic
Genre: Science Fiction
Readability Lexile: 810L

Summary:

In the United Stated (or what is left of the ruins) is now called Panem. There are 12 districts’ that surround the harsh capital. The way the capital keeps the districts in line is the hunger games. The hunger games are a fight to the death that is aired on live TV. The winner brings riches to their districts, but even more goes to the capital. Katniss lives with her mother and younger sister is forced into it even though she sees it as a death sentence. She has already been close to dying before so this is like second nature to her. If she wins she will have to go against her new love or survival as humanity.

Evaluation:

This is a good book that helps readers question what they are reading and use their imagination. This is something that does not happen in real life so it is interesting to learn about. It also helps students to relate to what they are reading because the characters struggle just like readers do. They might not struggle in the same way, but they still have struggles to face. The readers are able to have text-to-self moments. When reading the book aloud I could picture the characters reading the book, and the language sounded natural.

Literary Elements:

-          Plot- The plot of this book is about going in the hunger games for survival and to help her family survive. She falls in love with her competitor so it is hard for them to kill each other.

-          Characterization- You are really able to get into the characters head with this book. You are able to feel their emotions, recognize their personality, and understand their struggles. They also overcome problems and have strengths and weaknesses.

-          Theme- The theme of this book is the culture that they are in. It is a messed up culture where killing becomes entertainment and people watch it live. This is like what happened in Rome but it would never happen in our world today.

Mini Lesson:

I would use this book for plot. I would have the students, after reading the book; write what they would do in this situation. It would be a creative free write that would help people activate their own voice in their writing.

Target Audience:

Middle School