Eric Binu
Published: 2008
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Awards: Publisher Weekly’s Best Book of the Year (2008), New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice (2008), ALA Best Books for Young Adults (2009), A Booklist Editors’ Choices (2009).
With the recent release of the film adaptation of the prequel to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, interest has been restored in the series.
The Hunger Games trilogy tells the tale of a young girl, Katniss Everdeen, who lives in District 12, one of 12 districts governed by the rich Capitol. She lives her life in poverty with her mother and sister, watching the Hunger Games: an annual competition by the Capitol to exhibit their power over the districts. It involves 24 contestants going head to head in a kill-or-be-killed situation. The books take us through Katniss’ experience in the Hunger Games, in which she defies all odds and resists the Capitol’s wishes. The books highlight ideas like resistance, loyalty, and oppression while still telling a fantastic story. This trilogy is a must for readers who like thrillers, adventure, or science fiction.