Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsMockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
Published on August 24, 2010

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About Mockingjay
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss’s family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to … Continue reading

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne CollinsCatching Fire
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
Published on September 1, 2009

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About Catching Fire
Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol – a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her … Continue reading

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
Published September 14, 2008

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About The Hunger Games
The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of … Continue reading

Why Feminism in Literature Shortchanges Our Girls

We’ve come a long way from finicky fairy princesses who snooze through the most exciting scenes of the story in an enchanted sleep. Today’s princesses not only fight their own battles, they often have time between breaking curses and defeating monsters to put a cocky prince or two back in his place.

While, as the parent of a girl, I’m excited to see these literary ladies take an active role in their stories, what worries me is the withdrawal of the hero. He’s stands around awkwardly, waiting for the girl to finish wrapping up the conflict so he can maybe, possibly slip in a kiss?

Again – I love the messages in these stories that teaches girls that they are a force to be reckoned with, that they can be brave and fight their own adversaries. And do I want my daughter growing up thinking she must have a man … Continue reading