The Hunger Games
Caution. Age: 14+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Katniss gives herself for her sister, and Peeta refuses to become a monster. Those are real goods, and the book condemns a culture that turns cruelty into entertainment. But teenagers kill teenagers on the page, God is wholly absent, a mercy killing is shown as kindness, and the climax makes a suicide threat into a triumph. Thoughtful older teens can read it with a parent.
For parents
Not a read-aloud. Independent reading from 14; Common Sense Media says 13, Redeemed Reader 14. Ask whether Katniss and Peeta were right to threaten to eat the berries, and why taking your own life is never a protest (CCC 2281). Compare the tributes with early Christian martyrs who refused to kill.