Module 8 - The Hunger Games

Module 8 - The Hunger Games

Book Summary -
The book takes place in a post-apocalyptic North America called Panem and is narrated by Katniss Everdeen.  As punishment for an earlier rebellion, the Capital has 2 children from the ages of 12 to 18 from the 12 districts compete in the Hunger Games.  It is basically a fight to the death.  Katniss takes the place of her younger sister Primrose when she can't stand to see her compete.  As the gaems start, many die early.  The rules are continually changed, especially when it is found that the other contestant from district 12, Peeta, has a crush on Katniss.  First two people can win the game, then they change it so no only one can win.  Katniss uses her wits and skills to make sure that Peeta and she are the last ones standing.  She then makes it look like they are going to commit suicide, having them change the rules again so both can win.  The story ends with Katniss now being a political target and Peeta wondering if Katniss ever felt anything for him at all.

APA Reference -
Collins, S.  (2008).  The hunger games.  New York: Scholastic.

My Impressions -
I love good science fiction books, especially if it seems as though it could really happen.  This is one of those books.  The society utilized technology and popular reality tv through the games.  It really is a look at what society might come to later on.  It's also a bit of a warning to us that we must continue to be and act "human" and look at the humanity in others.

Professional Review -
Imagine Survivor, with kids, televised in real time with the entire country watching. And instead of being voted off the island, you're locked in a death match till the last kid is left standing. For a sheer thrill ride that's bound to hook teens and adults, and for its mordant social commentary, this novel gets my vote.

Roback, D. (2009). The Hunger Games. Publishers Weekly, 256(1), 24.

Library Uses -

Since the book includes much technology that is an extention of technology today, the students could look at the world today and create a technological extention of today that the characters might use in Panem in the future.