The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is a book where the word utopia is defined like never before. Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen lives in the world after its end. The twelve Districts are controlled by the Capitol, their government. When Katniss volunteers herself in the games instead of her sister, she has no idea what to expect. With the help of her partner, Peeta, Katniss will first-hand experience the hard truth. The Games are specifically designed to show the residences in the multiple Districts how the Capitol controls them. The golden country they live in has deep dark secrets that they don't want anyone to know...but Katniss can only do so much while mentally and physically preparing herself for the games. The girl from District twelve will prove to everyone {even herself} that she can do much more than expected. But what happens when a simple berries act can be called rebellious?
This story is an unforgettable journey to the end of the world. If you think that living in a perfect utopia is perfect, think again. Katniss proves that even in perfeciton, poverty and dictatorship are possible. To all those who enjoyed the book Pretties, by Scott Westerfield, this book is for you. Young readers everywhere are seeing that utopia is not always good. Or is it?
-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.
