Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Collins, S. (2010). Mockinjay. New York: Scholastic. ISBN: 0439023513

Plot Summary

  This is the third and last book in the Hunger Games trilogy, and the most gripping. This story starts off where Catching Fire ended and we see Katniss has been rescued by the rebels. After much internal fighting Katniss agrees to become the Mockingjay and the symbol of the cause. Victors are given immunity and Peetah is saved, but drastically changed. Katniss and the rebels descend on the capitol and through heartbreak, bravery, and drastic decision making, things will never be the same. 

Critical Evaluation

  I had a copy of this book before the release date but I refused to read it. I wanted to be part of the fan world that would read these words together. I read it two times the first day. I threw this book at the wall, stained the pages with my tears, and felt complete and empty at the same time after finishing it. It wasn't nesceeraly a happy ending, but it was believable. Things had to end this way. After enduring so much, this book could not end on a happy note. The world was destroyed, loved ones were killed, and rebuilding from this would take years. Just like survivors of war, there hearts could never fully heal. Mockingjay has had an affect on me that I have never endured in all my years as a librarian. 

Readers Annotation

  The end will only bring a beginning. 

Information about the Author

  Suzanne earned her MFA from the New York University in Dramatic Writing and started working on children's television shows. She received a Writer's Guild of America nomination for her work. She received inspiration from author James Proimos to write children's books and she began work on her Underland Chronicles series. This series has been on the New York Times Best Seller List. She also wrote a picture book titled, When Charlie Button Lost Power. 

  In September 2008, she released the first installment of the Hunger Games Trilogy. This series was inspired by the Greek myth about Theseus and the Minotaur as well as her experience with being an Air Force Lieutenants daughter. Collins was named as one of Times Magazines Most Influential People of 2010. 

  Collins now lives with her husband, two children, and two cats in Connecticut. She has received numerous awards, honors, and nominations for her writing. 

Genre

  Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties

n/a

Booktalking Ideas

  - Do you agree with the ending of the series? Do you think the ending fit? Why or why not?

  - Do you think that Katniss should have testified and not plead insane? 

  - Was it really Gale's fault for Prim being killed? Do you think it was fair that Katniss changed her feelings for him because of this?

  - Why do you think Gale ended up leaving District 12? Why did Katniss stay?

  - Whose death  affected you the most? Why?

Reading Level/Interest Age

  9-12th grade/Young Adult

Challenge Issues

  Violence
   I would offer my library's Collection Development Policy which highlights how challenges and reconsideration's are handled. I would ask the challenger and the professional reviewing it to familiarize themselves with the book.

Reason for Selection

  Huge fan of the series.