Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, dramatic -- and bloody -- sci-fi trilogy finale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 53 parent reviews
Parents say the concluding book of the series has received mixed feedback, with many expressing disappointment in the portrayal of the main character, who appears less relatable and more self-absorbed than in earlier installments. While some appreciate its depth and exploration of dark themes like war and mental health, others argue it's too intense for younger readers, highlighting the graphic violence and morally complex situations that arise, making it better suited for older teens and adults.
- mixed reactions
- character development
- dark themes
- violence concerns
- age-appropriateness
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 304 kid reviews
What's the Story?
After Katniss is rescued from the Hunger Games arena at the end of book two, she's safe in District 13 with a group of rebels led by district president Alma Coin. Katniss knows her rescue was orchestrated so that she could become the symbol of the resistance -- the Mockingjay; and, sure enough, she's used to shoot propaganda films that hijack TV sets across the country of Panem as battles rage in the districts and move ever closer to the Capitol. Katniss also knows that her dear friend Peeta is in danger -- tortured, brainwashed, and used by President Snow as leverage against her. Rescuing Peeta from Snow's brutal retribution isn't the only risky plan at play -- Katniss is also determined to assassinate Snow ... whether she has Coin's approval or not.
Is It Any Good?
Trilogy fans won't return to the Hunger Games arena in this finale, but there's plenty of action to draw readers in and plenty of twists to keep you wondering how it will all end. Plus, Collins continues to add depth to the series, asking readers to consider what's justified in war or to maintain order in societies. She adds so many shades of gray -- how propaganda is used to sway people and what it means to be seen as a symbol more than a person -- that readers will be left with plenty of food for thought.
Katniss is still the tormented, conflicted character who doesn't see herself as a hero figure. This amps up the melodrama at times -- and so does her love triangle. Who will she choose? Team Gale or Team Peeta? And, yes, she does finally decide.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of this trilogy. What do you think has made it so successful? How does it compare to other popular series, like Harry Potter and Twilight?
This book provides a frightening look at the future. How does it compare to other future worlds you've seen depicted in movies, books, or video games? What is so appealing about reading books like this? Why is it important to read books set in the future?
How does the book portray the media? What role does it play in the war? Can you see any similarities between the way media is used in the book and the role that it plays in our lives today?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : August 24, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 390
- Last updated : November 27, 2019
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