Books Jack Reads

Note: This book is recommended for readers aged 16 and over.

Reasons: Violence and mature themes.

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Set in a dark, dystopian version of North America, now known as Panem, 12 districts are ruled over by a harsh and ruthless Capitol. 

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Every year for the Capitol's own entertainment, one boy and one girl from each district are selected to take part in the Hunger Games, a brutal fight to the death on live TV.

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Sixteen year-old Katniss Everdeen from District 12, the poorest of all the districts, has always had to work hard to look after her mother and her younger sister Prim. But when Prim is selected to take part in the Games, Katniss volunteers herself in Prim's place, knowing full well that if she loses, the price will be her own life.

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If your kids have read other books like this (like the Divergent and Maze Runner series), or seen the movie, then they'll enjoy this book.

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Collins has created a strong main character with Katniss. She's a tough survivor who knows how to hunt (with a bow and arrow as her weapon of choice), but she also knows that there's a big difference between killing deer in the forest and killing a real human.

 

As a result, there are a lot of inventive (and sometimes graphic) killing scenes in this novel, such as a mutated wasps' nest being dropped onto a group of competitors, resulting in the death of one. 

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There's also a touch of romance thrown into the story as well, as Katniss tries to work out her feelings for Peeta the baker's son, also competing for District 12 in the games, while knowing full well that only one of them may survive.

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Overall, this is a dark dystopian novel with a grim, fearful interpretation of the future, and the start of a great trilogy.