The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (posted by Pen, age 13)

The Hunger Games is an action-packed page turner that is highly recommended for ages 11 and up. Anyone underneath that age may be slightly unprepared to read it, so it is not ideal for anyone under the minimum age. I really enjoyed this book because it manages to blend together with perfect balance copious amounts of intense action, a pinch of romance, a dystopian society and a politically meaningful message.

Katniss, the heroine of this story, is used to fending for herself. Ever since her father died in a mining accident and her mother became closed off to the world from grief, there has been no one capable to provide for the family. So Katniss, a highly capable hunter with a bow and arrow, has been feeding herself and her family for years, with the help of her best friend, Gale. But nothing could prepare her for what happens next. Each year, the tyrannical Capitol chooses two tributes, one male and one female, from each of the twelve districts, to serve in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a fight to the death. The tributes are sent to an arena to fight each other until only one tribute remains. That tribute is then declared the victor, and brings honor and glory to their district. Each year, the districts are forced to do this, against their will. But they have no choice. They are slaves to the Capitol, their only purpose to provide necessities, and, in instance of the Games, entertainment. On reaping day, the odds are not in Katniss's favor. She has more entries in the drawing than most, because of her efforts to take tesserae to keep her family fed. Never would she have dreamed that her little sister, with one slip in the drawing, would be picked. In shock, Katniss volunteers to take her place. To her displeasure, the boy who had given her bread when she had been the most hungry is the second tribute. Favors like that do not go forgotten in the eternally hungry District Twelve. But can Katniss remember that throughout her time in the arena? A blood-thirsty band of Careers, the treacherous and hypocritical actions of the boy, an unexpected alliance, many brutal killings, a rule change, dehydration, starvation, and a play for the cameras threaten to push this out of her mind. Katniss is counting down the days, and tributes are dwindling. Will the favor be repaid, or will Katniss die trying?
It's up to you to find out! Pick up The Hunger Games at your local library or bookstore, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen
P.S. This is also part of an amazing series. It is imperative in this case as well that you read them in order! Have fun!