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Parents' Guide to

The Hunger Games, Book 1

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Exciting, provocative tale of lethal reality show.

Book Suzanne Collins Science Fiction 2008
The Hunger Games, Book 1 book cover: Black background with title along top in white type and the golden mockingjay in a golden ring with a gold arrow in its mouth

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 13+

Based on 232 parent reviews

portico
portico Parent of 5, 9, 12, 15 and 17-year-old
September 3, 2009
age 13+

A tragic addiction

Inspired by flicking tv channels between a reality tv show and scenes from a real war-zone (edifying material), but makes you uneasy because it makes things that are so wrong feel exciting, even thrilling. It draws your attention to problematic issues in society (sponsorship means anything goes, a body beautiful culture which at the same time tolerates horrendous violence, playing up romance for a show rather than for real meaning, no respect for human dignity in itself, only for what you can do or what you look like...) but it actually makes these things too riveting, they're the basis of what is fun in this book. It seems more a product of a disturbed society than a critique of one.
starskris
starskris Parent of 8 and 10-year-old
June 30, 2022
age 12+

Important lessons!!!

The fact that so many adults believe this book is “about” kids killing kids is really an issue. This book creates empathy by creating characters that show themes of poverty and government control. Is there violence? Yes. It is used as a warning about becoming desensitized to violence. If you are not capable of understanding the messages in this book, please don’t speak on what it is “about”. The inability for adults to understand this is what is wrong with our society. Learning about characters teaches empathy.
See all 232 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE HUNGER GAMES is set in the future, after the United States is gone. In its place is Panem, in which the privileged Capitol rules over 12 districts. To maintain an iron grip, the Capitol holds an annual televised program, a lethal competition to which each district must send one boy and one girl, who are known as "tributes." Out of these 24 kids, only one will survive. Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take her sister's place, and Peeta Mellark are District 12's tributes, but their competition is complicated by the fact that Peeta falls in love with Katniss.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (232 ):
Kids say (1200 ):

Author Suzanne Collins blends elements that are both classical and modern to produce a story that, if not entirely new, still bears her unique imprint. Beginning with elements of the Theseus myth, she mixes in a large dollop of Battle Royale by Koushun Takami, elements of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, reality TV shows like Survivor, and political and social trends. But she makes the resulting story her own, and The Hunger Games avoids feeling derivative through her poignant characters and the complex interplay of personal feelings and political machinations.

Collins does all this in the context of an all-out action-thriller that's told in straight-ahead yet subtle prose with a carefully calibrated level of edgy violence that doesn't go over the line. A story of teens massacring one another could, in the hands of a different author, have been overly sensational. But by keeping the focus relentlessly on the personal, Collins makes it both moving and thought-provoking. The Hunger Games will be a terrific discussion starter for middle-school literature groups, in which students will quickly make connections to contemporary society.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of The Hunger Games. Why has it struck such a chord with readers?

  • How is Katniss and Peeta's story manipulated by the Capitol media? How do they play along? Why is it sometimes essential for their survival? Are there any reality shows you watch that have moments that ring false to you? How can you tell?

  • Why are dystopian novels so popular? What are some of your favorites?

  • Describe scenes when Katniss, Peeta, and other characters model courage, compassion, and integrity. How do these character strengths inspire or give others hope in times of struggle or stress?

  • Katniss shows a remarkable amount of perseverance throughout the story. What helps her keep going? What and who helps you keep going when things are hard in your life?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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