Parents' Guide to

Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

By Edward T. Sullivan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Sequel just as gripping -- and brutal -- as the first.

Book Suzanne Collins Science Fiction 2009
Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 13+

Based on 41 parent reviews

chelsb1
chelsb1 Adult
April 3, 2021
age 11+

amazing!

The sequel to The Hunger Games is definitely more violent than predecessor, but it's not bad There's no swearing - maybe the occasional uses of damn, hell, etc. Kissing is the most inappropriate content, nothing more. I think at one point Katniss and Peeta sleep together, but it's really just sleep and honestly nothing more. If your kids can handle violence - LET THEM READ IT

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
CindyBell1
CindyBell1 Adult
May 21, 2020
age 13+

Very good book for teenagers

Has a TON of violence, but that's really the only thing about it that makes it inappropriate for younger kids. There isn't any swearing or sex, however there is some drinking and one of the main characters attempts to get drunk. Only let your kids read it if they're above 13 or very mature younger children

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
See all 41 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Katniss and Peeta, rich and famous from having won the annual Hunger Games, are reluctanly embarking on a Capitol-sponsored victory tour through the 12 districts of the dystopian world Panem. They are now seen as a threat to oppressive Capitol, having defied the Gamemakers with their subversive victory. This act of rebellion has ignited growing unrest within the districts. To her dismay, Katniss is looked upon as the leader of this uprising. Katniss briefly considers escaping with her family and friends before reluctantly assuming her role as rebel leader. The insidious President Snow is prepared to do whatever is necessary to quash this budding uprising.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (41):
Kids say (283):

Collins does not disappoint in this enthralling, entirely satisfying sequel. The pace is a little slower and the emphasis more on character than plot -- Katniss grows considerable as a character -- but readers will find CATCHING FIRE as much of a gripping page-turner as The Hunger Games. More of the story takes place outside the arena than within, but there is plenty of action-packed combat.

Collins offers readers intriguing insights into the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and the spreading rebellion. The story is equally rich in provocative political and social commentary, and exploring epic themes of morality, obedience, oppression, rebellion, redemption, sacrifice and, of course, survival. The author also creates a tantalizing and unresolved love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale that will leave questioning readers desperate for the next installment. This novel can stand alone but readers will have a much a richer experience if they begin with The Hunger Games.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about all the rich themes in this book. Considering current reality TV offerings and America's cultural obsession with violence, how hard is it to imagine people killing one another as entertainment? What are some examples from the past in which such "entertainment" did exist?

  • Are there any TV programs or video games that remind remind you of the Hunger Games tournament? How are they similar?

  • What does the Capitol do to people in the distrcits that can be called oppressive? Are there governments in the world today that could be considered as oppressive?

  • What lengths would you go to in order to survive?

  • Why is Katniss the best person to be the symbolic leader of the uprising? What are Katniss' true feelings towards Gale and Peeta?

Book Details

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