Margaret Peterson Haddix

I'm going to start reading Margaret Peterson Haddix's series.  I think I'll start with the Shadow Children series so I get a feel for her writing.  I noticed if the middle schoolers were not checking out her books, they were into James Patterson.  I have to admit, as an adult writer, Patterson is one of my favorites. 

So, I guess that means his YA books are next on the list.  I have quite a reading list to work.  I also have the last Last Apprentice to read.  I'm waiting on PC Cast's last two books in the teen vamp series to come out in paperback.  I also have to read Sorceress and Necromancer in the Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel series.

I'm also going to add Copper Elephant to the list.  Saw that one in the library today at the high school.

The Hunger Games end

WARNING:  SPOILER AHEAD!!


I finished the last book of The Hunger Games:  Mockingjay.  Have to say it still leaves a lot hanging and questions unanswered.  I really don't like the fact that Prim dies so unnecessarily.  I don't like the fact that Gale doesn't fight harder for Katniss.  I don't like the fact that Peeta seems so easily "cured" with just a few remnants of the torture--come on!  Even Kat still suffers just from the Games and the last battles!  Peeta should be feeling nearly the same or worse given the extra torture and that he was in the last battle too.  I don't like the fact that they go back to District 12 and just start rebuilding.  It's too weird.  The epilogue rings odd too.  Like she had to put it in just because Rowling put something in HP 7.  I also don't like the fact that the mockingjay doesn't come out near the end either.  It was instrumental and should be symbol of new hope beyond the rebellion.

The whole concept of the Games leaves a lot of thinking and pondering on the part of the public however.  What if we were war torn and under a military control?  What if we rose up and rebelled against the government?  What would happen if the US really did fall into different areas and there were Hunger Games?  Would we really allow this to happen?  Would we be as hopeless and scared as most people are in the book?

If this really happened, would some other country step in to stop it as a genocide?  Truly that is what it is, a genocide of a select 24 children.  Children used to control the actions of others. (Just as the child barricade around President Snow's mansion)   Children slaughtered to teach the adults to stay in line.  Children missing from District 13 due to disease and infertility.  Would another country step in and stop it, just as the US has in some countries, or would they be selective as the US has been in some countries (Africa)?

How does a story like this affect the thinking & actions of people?  Do you feel more compassionate?  Do you feel safe?  Do you feel you have a pretty good life?  Do you feel as if more should be done for others in that situation, that you would step up and say, This is wrong?  Would you hunker down and just try to survive?

Did you know that middle and high schoolers are reading these stories with a passion, soaking up the events?

Suzanne Collins:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay

Teens turn to libraries for "Books with Beat" | American Libraries Magazine

Teens turn to libraries for "Books with Beat" American Libraries Magazine

The next best week in an ALA year. This time it's the YALSA chapter's turn. We invite teens to read Books With Beat. Audiobooks, books about musicians and music (like Marian Anderson), and other beat-like topics/formats.