The Hunger Games
Written by Suzanne Collins
Scholastic $19.99
Recommended for ages 12 and up

For the past six months, my sales representative has been hounding me to read this book. Somehow it never made it to the top of my ‘must-read’ pile. I am not sure why or how this happened especially now that I have read it. This book is superb. It is a futuristic story that explores ideas of controlling governments, survival, teen romantic interests, and action-packed adventure for all involved.

The characters are realistic yet their world is unrealistic in so many ways. It is a perfect blend for fans of science fiction. Katniss and Peeta are the ‘tributes’ from District 12 who are in a literal fight for their life in the Capitol. Their fight is televised for all of the country to see. (Think Survivor, Big Brother etc.). Will the underdogs defeat the well-heeled tributes from the other Districts in the country? Or will their hidden talents help pull them through this battle?

In many ways, this first book in the trilogy reminds me of The Giver by Lois Lowry and in other ways Truesight by David Stahler comes to mind. No matter, this book stands on its own and will be thoroughly enjoyed by middle school and high school readers who are so familiar with the reality shows. The action and adventure will especially appeal to young males.

The second book in the series is Catching Fire.