Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
New York/Scholastic/2008
ISBN -13:978-0-439-02348-1
Genre: Science Fiction
Grade Range: 8 – 12
Cross-curricular Connections: survival, television programs, interpersonal
relations, contests, bow and arrow hunting
Book Brief: In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain
control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people
from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's
skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.
Note some eleventh grade eligible content that could be used as enrichment at
earlier levels.
Pennsylvania Eligible Content Applications
SKILLS/FICTION
R8.A.1.1.1 Multiple-meaning
p. 3 cocooned,
p. 18 tributes,
p. 46 mentor,
p. 49 rooting,
p. 94 careers,
p. 118 twitch-up snares,
p. 143 tracker,
p. 152 cannons,
p. 308 ramp up
Question: How was the word _____ used in this sentence?
R8.A.1.1.2 Synonyms and antonyms:
Many opportunities for synonym replacements; some examples are:
p. 55 enormous,
p. 102 consideration,
p. 151 good (stuff),
p. 208 tremendous,
p. 227 excellent,
p. 320 very (clever)
Question: What word could the author have used instead of _____?
R8.A.1.2.1 Affixes:
p. 4 mouser,
p. 5 severest,
p. 278 undetectable
Question: The base word mouse changes to mean _____ when the suffix
/er/ is added.
R8.A.1.2.2 Context clues in explanatory sentences:
p. 13 tessarae,
p. 42 mockingjay and mutations
p. 77 Avox
Questions: What words did the author provide to help me understand the
meaning of the word _____ in the passage?
R8.A.1.3.1 Inferences/conclusions:
p. 23 Katniss does not cry based on the conclusion that the television
cameras are on her and she would look like a weakling if everyone watching saw
her cry.
p. 324 Explain the statement, “It was Peeta's own ignorance that brought
her down.”
p. 145 inferences about the clothing for the games
Question: The purpose of this passage is most likely …
R8.A.1.3.2 Cite evidence/generalizations
Generalize which district it could be in our world and cite evidence to
prove it.
p. 145 explains the clothes for the arena.
Question: In the passage, which phrase best leads you to generalize that
the arena will be cold?
R8.A.1.4.1 Main ideas and supporting details:
None of the chapters are named. This is the perfect opportunity to ask
what would you name this chapter? Give three details to support your
response.
P. 13 gives the steps of the reaping.
P. 18 gives the history of Panem and the rules for the Games.
p. 42 creation of the mockingjay
Question: Which of the following sentences supports the idea of the
reaping?
R8.A.1.5.1 Summarize:
P. 18 can be used as an example of a summary. In addition it provides
a succinct history of the North American sci fi world.
P. 82-- the story of the Avox could be summarized.
P. 147-- Summarize the launch.
Question: Summarize what happens in the passage. Use details from the
passage to support your response.
R8.A.1.6.1 Author’s intended purpose:
p. 65--many questions usually lead to a conclusion.
p. 103 anger
p. 158 tension
p. 178 recalling facts
p. 239 honor
Question: Choose three details that the author used to persuade us to
agree with him. Explain why those details were or were not effective.
R8.A.1.6.2 Support author’s purpose:
Question: Which author’s purpose is supported by the following example?
Read p.218.
(entertain, inform, persuade)
SKILLS/NONFICTION
R5.A.2.1.1 Multiple-meaning words
R5.A.2.1.2 Content-specific words
R5.A.2.2.1 Affixes
R5.A.2.2.2 Context clues in explanatory sentences
R5.A.2.3.1 Inferences/conclusions
R5.A.2.3.2 Cite evidence/generalizations
R5.A.2.4.1 Main ideas and supporting details
R5.A.2.5.1 Summarize
R5.A.2.6.1 Author’s intended purpose
R5.A.2.6.2 Support author’s purpose
APPLICATION/FICTION AND NONFICTION
R8.B.1.1.1 Characters (Major/Minor)
Katniss (Major) p. 3, her true character begins to show p. 102-103,
feelings for Gale p. 112
Peeta (Major) p. 25, a glimpse of Peeta’s character p. 141- 142
Haymitch (Major) p. 19
Rue (Major) (in addition to the initial introduction on p. 125, we get a more
in-depth view of Rue on p. 208)
5. Cinna, the leader of the Prep Team (Minor) p. 63, p. 122
Prim (Minor) p. 3
Gale (Minor) p. 6, p. 40 (feelings)
Effie (Minor) p. 7
Madge (Minor) p. 12
Caesar Flickerman (Minor) p. 124
Pres. Snow (Minor) p. 71
Question: How would the plot be different without Cinna? (Look at the
passage about the interview, p. 122)
Most of the characters develop over the entire book, so drawing conclusions
would be the easiest skill leading to analysis of character traits as the hardest.
The Prep Team is another cachet of characters on which to based discussions
and questions. Cinna is the leader, but the most inexperienced. A concise
description of the tributes begins on p. 125
Question: Which statement best describes the relationship between Peeta
and Gale/ Katniss and Peeta/ Katniss and Gale?
R8.B.1.1.1 Plot:
1. The pin of the mockingjay is integral to the plot. It is introduced on p.
38, but is a key throughout all three books, symbolizing freedom,
revolution, authority.
2. Opening ceremonies for the games is described on p. 68. This is
another key to the plot, and is referred to over and over throughout the
three books.
3. p. 69 shows the plot development as Peeta and Katniss are instructed
to hold hands
4. p. 113 Peeta asks to be coached separately and p. 138 finally shows
Peeta's love for Katniss
5. p. 344 reveals the “twist” that guides the next two books
Question: Which detail from the passage best describes the conflict
between Peeta and Gale?
R8.B.1.1.1 Setting:
p. 4 Our part of District 12... All 12 districts are described in detail and can
be compared/contrasted. In addition to the districts, parts of the districts are
described, for example the Hob or the Capitol.
p. 11 describes the Hob, which is part of District 12.
The arena is a big part of the plot; a partial description begins on p. 148.
Question: What details from the setting may have caused the main
character to _____? Give two examples to support your answer.
R8.B.1.1.1 Theme:
Katniss' friendships throughout the book – Gale and Katniss, Peeta and
Katniss, Rue and Katniss, Cinna and Katniss, even Haymitch and Katniss
Survival – hunting and food is mentioned continuously on p. 6, p. 44, p.
55, p. 65, p. 75, p. 76, p. 83, p. 87, p. 108, p. 118, p. 127, p. 137, p. 144
Rebellion - p. 24, hand signal for thanks
Question: Which words or ideas are repeated throughout the story? What
does it signify? Give three examples from the text to explain the theme.
R11.B.1.1.1 Tone, Style, Mood
p. 122 Katniss’ discussion with Cinna
p. 234 Rue’s song
p. 240 after Rue’s death
Question: Explain how the tone of the passage helps us understand
Katniss?
R11.B.1.1.1 Symbolism
The mockingjay pin is first noticed by Gale on p. 12. This symbol of
rebellion permeates all three books in the series, p. 38, p. 42
The sign of “thanks” is presented on p. 24, again when Rue dies, and in
book 2.
Question: When referring to the pin, the author wants the reader to
associate it with…
R8.B.1.2.1 Connections between texts:
There are three books in this series. Book two shows how the uprising
starts and book three shows the end of the uprising. Most definitely the
characters can be connected across books.
Make a connection between Peeta’s career and his camouflage.
Katniss’ change in attitude toward Peeta from p. 25 to p. 250
Question: Compare Katniss’ attitude change? Support your stance with
three or more details from the texts.
R8.B.2.1.2 Similes:
p. 3 fresh as a raindrop...as lovely as a primrose
p. 7 inhaling the fragrance that makes my mouth flood with saliva
Question: Which of the five senses does the author use to describe
bread?
R8.B.2.2.1 Point of view:
Katniss is so naive! She jumps back and forth in her point of view. She
has so many discussions with herself to steer her point of view, for
example, p. 114, p. 222
Question: Why is the story written in first person? Give two examples to
show how the author uses first person effectively in the story.
R8.B.2.2.2 Effectiveness of point of view:
Are the discussions that Katniss has with herself effective? P. 31, the
transition from the top of p.178 to the bottom.
Question: The author most likely chose to write the story in first person
because…
Comments:
Characters -This book has powerful characters. Each tribute has his/her own
unique qualities which scream diversity at a sci fi level. The reader can create a
visual image of the district each tribute represents through the author's words,
therefore setting comparisons can abound.
Dialect – p. 61 illustrates dialects albeit “pretend.”
Geographic regions – inferences can be drawn to the “real” regions that each
district represents
Atypical/societal roles –Katniss, the main character, is an atypical sixteen-yearold. She has taken over the responsibility of providing for her family.
Family Relationships are pronounced in this book because Katniss is sacrificing
her life for her sister.
Friendship – The friendship between Katniss and Peeta evolves throughout the
book. This relationship can be compared to the Katniss/Gale friendship which is
a stark contrast.