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| Scholastic Books |
Check out the movie trailer!
Watch the author read the first chapter of the Hunger Games.
Can’t get your hands on a copy of the Hunger Games, or you have already
devoured the trilogy and want more by Collins, check out her earlier series: The
Underland Chronicles. These books follow Gregor and his sister, Boots, as they
explore a new world hidden beneath the streets of New York. Here, humans are
waged in a war against the rats in a world filled with giant versions of bats,
cockroaches, ants, and spiders. And in the midst of it, Gregor is on a quest to
find his father.
“This is not a fairy tale; it’s a war, and
in war, there are tragic losses that must be mourned.”
-Suzanne Collins
NewYork Times Magazine interviewed Collins about the Hunger Games trilogy. The
interview delves into her personal history and how it created her central goal
with the trilogy. Collins, whose father was a Vietnam veteran and teacher of
military history, believes that children need to be educated about the
realities of war. There are numerous reviews from respected sources that speak
to the successes and failures of the Hunger Games as a series, but this comment
posted on the New York Times article summarizes it succinctly:
"When my son started reading
the series at age 11, I had my doubts. I wasn't happy about children being
presented as killers nor the graphic ways their deaths were portrayed. HOWEVER,
as he read, he explained to me that they were about the evils of facisim and
dictators and how people needed to unite against corrupt governments. I am
thankful for these books. The morals they teach are amazing and the writer is a
wizard with words. Thank you Ms. Collins."
Does this series effectively use violence to address war in
an educational context for young adults? Or were you too engrossed in the
heart-wrenching love triangle between Peeta, Gale, and Katniss?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
3 comments:
What a great vehicle for discussion. Appreciate all the sources sited to enrich the themes
of these stories. Really enjoyed the first book; the second was
somewhat a good follow-up;
the final story was a bit disappointing.
Most enjoyed the Suzanne Collins interview. Alway revealing to see into the authors inspiration.
Thanks
Katniss is important for young women today because she is the most powerful female character in children's/YA literature ever! Not only is she super athletic and a superior survivor but she is ethical, loyal and has outstanding courage. I am grateful to Suzanne Collins for creating a female character of tremendous appeal to the reader who is also so strong.
Really enjoyed the Collins interview too. It was fascinating to see how her father and personal history went in to creating this moving anti-war message. It was especially interesting that even her editor wanted her to change events because SHE was so consumed by the story and characters. I wonder if these "tragic losses" helped to increase the popularity and love of the Hunger Games?
Katniss is such an important character and such a strong role model too! What are your other favorite leading female characters?
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