Speaker Geeks! discussion

Is there a certain age or maturity level at which you believe that a person is old enough to read The Hunger Games?

Definitely. Kids are reading it way too young. I read it when I was 12 (a well read 12 year old) and it took me a few rereadings to REALLY understand it.
Even very mature 10 year olds should just hold off a few years. It's not like there aren't good books for that age group.
At least 12. If immature, 13, 14.

Yeah, I was 12 also. My brother told me about this kid in his class who read it in 3rd grade! I was like, "You have GOT to be kidding me. 3rd grade?!"

I read it when I had just turned 12 (I don't get scared/scarred/grossed out very easily). The trilogy can be quite confusing at times, and lots of things that Katniss and the other characters do have a much deeper meaning then what they seem to be doing on the surface.

I found the series to be quite political but heartfelt. When someone in my class asked another person what THG was about, they replied,
"Oh, it's just about kids killing other kids."

I was outraged! It's about sacrifice, realising the difference between enemy and ally, love, love for your family, rebellion, war, overpowering a dangerous dictator (alliteration FTW) and inspiring people to make a difference and not be influenced to believe the wrong things, the way the people in the Capitol were influenced to believe that The Hunger Games were a positive thing.

You're right, it is so much more than just killing kids. It teaches a lesson. I wouldn't read it if it was just simply kids killing kids and that was the end of it.

However, a lot of people, scarily enough kids, enjoy Reading something shocking and I guess that fits the bill. But in order to get someone to read a book, some may just say something to provoke them to read it. If I describe a book for a friend to read, I don't say the theme I say the part that will probably appeal to them. Make sense?

Yeah, I see what you're saying.

If you're 13, eat that novel.

i think it depends on the maturity level of the person, the willingness to understand what the book is about, which includes seeking different opinions etc from ppl other than friends ( including older ppl).

i say that because i know ppl who are over 12, 16 and even 19, who focused mainly on the barely present love triangle... ( in other ords : 'peeta and katniss* were soul mates).

Ugh...*rolls eyes* I hate that.

I was eleven when I read all of the books... And I wasn't disturbed or anything like that.

Ya know (and Charlie can testify to this), I seem to put something about the Hunger Games in every single group I'm in...I guess I'm just an obsessed fan! XD

I would say, maybe 13 would be the age to read it. A mature 11 or 12 year old could.

Read it when I was 11 and understood it perfectly- I guess it depends in your reading level and of how much you can understand

Agreed. I read it at ten, and totally understood.

I am writing an evil book about death games that is gorier than the Hunger Games and I started when I was nine. It just depends on your maturity.

Eh, if you like gore and death...

Divergent is so much better and it isn't as gory.

my friend is a mature 11 and has read it (I think)

I think it depends on your understanding level. I know a third grader and understood the book. They realized it wasn't about the killing, but about the society. I think it depends on the person.