The Heart-Pounding Books in The Hunger Games Series

If your child is a fan of action-packed adventures, they’ll fall in love with Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series. Ideal for older readers in grades 7-12 and beloved by many adult readers as well, these books feature thrilling dystopian story lines and memorable characters who will resonate with your reader and get them deeply excited about reading. 

Let the Games Begin

Set in the future society of Panem which consists of the Captiol and twelve impoverished districts, the series follows Katniss Everdeen – a strong willed teenager from District 12, who becomes a symbol of rebellion again an oppressive Capitol. 

In the first book, The Hunger Games, readers meet the heroine Katniss, a 16-year-old girl who lives with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem — the ruins of what once was the United States. To keep the districts in check, the Capitol forces each district to send one boy and one girl to battle it out on live TV. Katniss bravely volunteers to play in her sister’s place. But now Katniss must choose: kill or be killed.

Plus, the #1 worldwide best seller is now in a stunning illustrated edition. Featuring more than 30 illustrations from internationally acclaimed artist Nico Delort, The Hunger Games Illustrated Edition brings the iconic story to vivid life like never before. 

"The challenge in a book like this is you have to find a way to not repeat compositions and atmospheres. If I had to illustrate a single scene from the book on its own, I would approach it very differently. Here I always had to keep other chapters in mind. While the illustrations aren't meant to be seen all next to one another, there still has to be a certain flow and rhythm," Delort said.

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Readers reunite with Katniss in the second novel, Catching Fire, after she and fellow winner of the annual Hunger Games, Peeta Mellark, have won safety for their families. But as talk of rebellion among the districts spreads, Katniss and Peeta find themselves the faces of this uprising, and the Capitol wants revenge. In the final book of the original trilogy, Mockingjay, a revolution is unfolding. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay — no matter what the cost.

For fans who can't get enough of the dystopian world of Panem, they can travel back 64 years before the events of the original books with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Here, readers meet an 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, who is preparing for his one shot of glory as a mentor in the games. When young Snow starts to feel for his tribute, he must battle internal conflict and weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive, no matter what it takes.

Throughout the series, readers will encounter themes of survival, sacrifice, government control, and the impact of media – making the books an incredible commentary on power and resistance. These books also impact valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and compassion – while enriching reading skills along the way. 

Get Ready for the Newest Book in the Series

If your reader has already devoured every title in the Hunger Games catalog, then they may want to re-read them all in preparation for the fifth book in the series, Sunrise on the Reaping. Now on sale, the book revisits Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

You can order your copy here and watch the book trailer to learn more: 

Plus, download a free copy of our ultimate Hunger Games Series Reading Guide to discuss the books with family and friends. 

Attention Fans! All New Deluxe Editions Are Here

Super fans and new readers of the series will adore the deluxe paperback editions of the series with stunning new covers and colorful stenciled edges. Now available as individual titles or in a gorgeous new box set, there's never been a lovelier way to read the series. 

Shop all of the books in the Hunger Games series below! Plus, explore our best children's books by age, interest, and more. You can find all books and activities at The Scholastic Store.