Hunger Games Fever

I just had a conversation with a couple eighth grade guys who were wondering about the length of the hold list for Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. (Currently, there are 22 students waiting for one of the four library copies of Mockingjay.) Her trilogy, which begins with The Hunger Games, is definitely the hottest series at Highland this fall. It appeals across grade levels and genders. It really does have something for everyone action, adventure, violence, romance, psychological struggle.

I first read Hunger Games several years ago (long enough that I had to wait a year for book #2, Catching Fire, to be released), and I was hooked. I've read lots of dystopian fiction since then. I thought I'd share a couple favorites. We've also got a read-alike list in the library's catalog if you are looking for some suggestions.

Here are some standouts if you are looking for a series after Hunger Games or while you wait for one of the books:

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner  - finished it last night and am now anxiously awaiting The Scorch Trials (out October 12)
• Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
• Gone by Michael Grant  - I read book three this summer and was suprised the series stayed fresh and took some interesting turns
• The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - I'm anxiously awaiting book three

If you have suggestions of other books I should pick up, I welcome them!