The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Grades 7+ 384 pages Scholastic September 2008 Hardcover     The post-apocalyptic U.S. is now made up of twelve districts ruled by a harsh, selfish Capitol known as Panem. While Panem enjoys modern luxuries, the outlying districts have been forced to revert to primitive living. Electricity, fuel and food are all handed out at Panem’s whim and used as leverage to keep society at bay. However, reality TV is still alive and well in this cruel new world. Once a year, a boy and girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen are chosen from each district to participate in the Hunger Games - a fight to the death competition broadcast live throughout the land. The surviving player wins a life of ease and prizes consisting of mostly food for their district for a year. When Katniss Everdeen’s gentle little sister is chosen, Kat quickly volunteers to take her place. To Kat, who has been providing for her family since her father’s death, survival is a way of life. Even though a contestant from district twelve hasn’t won the games in years, Katniss is determined to survive and see her family again. As the opening ceremonies dawn, she quickly becomes a surprise contender. She and the other district-twelve contestant, Peeta Mellark, build a loyal fan base, but there can only be one winner in The Hunger Games. How does one choose between life and love? Suzanne Collins, bestselling author of The Underland Chronicles, has created her most powerful work yet. The Hunger Games is a gripping, futuristic account of one girl’s struggle against an unfair system. Don’t worry; even when the games are over, Katniss Everdeen’s story isn’t. The sequel, Catching Fire, is scheduled for release on September 1, 2009, because the Capitol doesn’t take defiance lightly.     web reviews   Niki Masse Schoenfeldt/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)