The Girl Who Was on Fire

October 1, 2011

Fans of the trilogy will undoubtedly enjoy exploring elements of the series through the eyes of the author's contemporaries, each with a different expertise. The selections address the deeper social and political issues as well as the development of multilayered characters through witty and sometimes raw essays that ask readers to look deeper. The 13 articles encompass various issues, such as genetic mutations ("Not So Weird Science" by Cara Lockwood), the reality television phenomenon ("Reality Hunger" by Ned Vizzini), politics that lead the unsuspecting into wars ("The Politics of Mockingjay" by Sarah Darrer Littman), and love ("The Heart Is a Weapon the Size of Your Fist" by Mary Borsellino). Essays explore these and other subjects from within Katniss's world of Panem with humor, irreverence, and social understanding. This thought-provoking text will be especially useful for educators or librarians utilizing the multidiscplinary themes in this trilogy with their students.-Jessica Breslin, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH

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