Suzane Collins The Hunger Games - 2289 Words

Few defining characteristics depict a book appropriate for middle schoolers to be taught in the classroom setting. Literature presented to young, impressible, students must be relevant enough to enrich and intrigue without boring them. Deciding whether children in middle school (7th and 8th grades) should be assigned to read an explicitly violent series such as Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games in class is a matter that has been debated numerous times since the first book came out in 2008. The Hunger Games trilogy is a series where children are annually forced to fight in a nationwide spectacle known as the Hunger Games. Many people believe that middle schoolers should not be allowed to read this at all, much less made to read it in the†¦show more content†¦The often seen depictions of damsels in distress are part of an issue that is seen even in modern literature and media. More often than not in society, men are the ones expected to rescue the women, despite the fac t that women can be just as heroic in not only literature, but in real life. This often discourages girls from being too independent or bold, lest they be socially shunned for being â€Å"boyish.† In her article, â€Å"The Katniss Conundrum: Is She Okay for Kids?† Mary Pols confirms that Everdeen is an exemplary role model for young people. She argues, â€Å"There is so much to admire about Katniss Everdeen. She’s strong, smart and willing to protect her family (mother and little sister Prim) at any cost, even her own life† (Pols). Throughout the books Katniss maintains a headstrong mindset that defines her character, letting her overcome various obstacles. Time reporter Eliana Dockterman emphasizes that people need to realize that the violent, albeit powerful Hunger Games series can educate the young viewers rather than harm them. She makes several good points that the main character, Katniss is a great role model to kids of both genders. Dockterman als o points out that women can indeed be strong and caring at the same time such as Katniss. â€Å"She doesn’t need to be saved. Give her a bow and arrow, and she can take care of herself. In fact, she tends to come to the rescue of men, not the other way around†¦ She has more important things to worry about: like surviving the