Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins


ISBN: 978-0439023498
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Level: 11+
Reader’s Annotation: With the Quarter quell games upon them Katniss and Peeta find themselves thrust back into the world of the Hunger Games; help less pawns in a larger struggle for power in Panem.
Summary: The second book in the series finds Katniss and Peeta touring the twelve districts and experiencing first hand the spirit of uprising that their near suicide inspired. Unknowingly complicating their lives, Peeta pledges money to Rue’s family and district and brings more trouble for all involved. When the Quarter Queel games approach, the game makers pull out all the stops and demand tributes from former winners in each district. And so, Katniss and Peeta head back into the arena. Theis sequel complicates the storyline, and expands upon the political backdrop of Panem. Secrets are revealed, alliances are tried and truths come to be questioned.
Evaluation: This is a fantastic follow up to Hunger Games. It’s also a novel in itself, so often sequels in a trilogy end up being place holders where readers don’t learn anything new. This is not the case with Catching Fire. Readers will love Katniss as she continues to grow and explore her options, and they will aganize over the choices forced upon her. A worthy sequel that makes us all the more desperate for the conclusion.
Author Info: Author of Gregor series.
Booktalk Ideas: Political implications, Pregnancy, boys and marriage
Selection: I’ve waited for the sequel all summer – I was so excited when I scored a galley.