Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Genre:
Dystopian Fiction, Science Fiction

Interest Level:
Ages 12 and up

Reading Level:
Lexile 820, Grades 6-12

Book Theme:
Survival, family, love, rebellion

Books with Similar Themes: 
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Bibliographic Information:
Collins, S. (2009). Catching fire. New York: Scholastic Press.
 
Plot:  
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have returned to District 12 after being crowned victors of the Hunger Games. They pretend to both be in love to convince they evil President Snow that their final act at the Hunger Games was one of love and not rebellion, but Snow isn't buying it and tells Katniss she must convince him or she will die. They tour the districts and soon see that their rebellious act has wreaked havoc. Their own district has seen increased vigilance and violence from the peacekeepers. President Snow is not convinced that Katniss loves Peeta, so when the 75th Hunger Games comes around he orders that previous Hunger Games victors must be sent back to the arena to fight to the death.  Katniss and Peeta must return to the very place they never wanted to see again, but this time Katniss vows her job will be to keep Peeta alive.

Review:  
Catching Fire is the second book from The Hunger Games trilogy. It is just as fast-paced and engaging as its predecessor, and it also throws in new twists that the reader won't see coming. Tweens will love this story for its adventure, action, and well-developed characters. The relationships between Katniss and Peeta and Katniss and her friend Gale will leave tweens in suspense, wondering which one of them she will be with in the end. Katniss is still a great role model for tweens because of her determination, bravery, and great loyalty to those she loves most. Catching Fire is an unforgettable book tweens and everyone else will love that will leave them on the edge of their seat, and when they finish they will be ready to dash out the door to get the final book!