Common Sense Media Review
Exciting, provocative tale of lethal reality show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 242 parent reviews
Parents say that the book, while often labeled as overly violent, is a powerful and engaging read for mature audiences, typically recommended for those aged 11 and up. Many highlight its thought-provoking themes related to government control, personal sacrifice, and moral dilemmas, suggesting that it encourages essential discussions about violence and empathy, rather than glorification.
- thought-provoking themes
- age maturity required
- strong female lead
- discusses violence purposefully
- promotes empathy and morals
- engaging and thrilling plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 1,304 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is a captivating and gripping read, with many describing it as their favorite, full of excitement and deep themes about rebellion and societal issues; however, most agree that the significant violence involved in the story makes it best suited for readers aged 12 and up. While praised for its strong characters and writing, reviewers note that it contains mature themes and descriptions, suggesting that younger, sensitive readers may find it disturbing.
- great characters
- gripping story
- violent content
- age recommendation
- societal themes
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date : September 14, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 374
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate