Legend by Marie Lu

Legend

By Marie Lu

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Books

Copyright date: November 2011

Number of pages: 352

Age Level: 12-17

Young Adult Fiction

      Told from two points-of-view, Legend is set in the Republic, what was once the Western United States. The point-of-view switches back and forth between the two main characters: June and Day. Fifteen year old June, a prodigy, is being groomed to be one of the best in the Republic's highest military circles. She was born into an elite family in one of the wealthiest districts. Then there is fifteen year old Day who was born in the slums and is one of the country's most wanted criminals. 

     They are from completely different worlds yet their paths cross when June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day is the main suspect. Their story becomes a cat and mouse game where June is out to avenge her brother's death and Day just wants to stay alive. The truth comes out about June, Day and her brother's death after a book full of nonstop action. 

     I think this book would make a great addition to a lesson in government or history. Discussions may include what powers the government has and what its purpose is. Rebellions could also be discussed and, in our country, what are the legal means people can utilize to change policies or even change the government.   

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Copyright date: September 2008

Number of pages: 374

Age Level: 12-17

Young Adult Fiction

Panem is made up of 12 districts and every year each district must provide two tributes, one male and one female, to the capital for the Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen ends up volunteering after her little sister was randomly selected as the female tribute to represent District 12. She is joined by the male tribute, Peeta Mellark. The Hunger Games is a game that is televised to the entire Panem to watch. The Capital watches for entertainment while all the districts watch in horror as their loved ones fight to their deaths. Only one can survive.

The Games are held in a forested arena where all aspects of the Games are manipulated by the Capital including weather, food supplies, survival supplies, animals and insects, fires, and more. Every night faces of the tributes who have died show in the sky. Katniss must rely on her hunting skills and sharp instincts to survive. 

There are so many ways The Hunger Games could be used in the classroom. I think this would be a terrific book to use in English class. I would have the students read it then do a short rewrite of it from a different perspective; perhaps from the perspective of Peeta or even someone in the Capital. This is a great way to teach perspective. I also think this book is a great way to engage those students who have difficulties getting interested in reading a book. This book is full of action and can definitely keep the attention of its readers. I also think this could be used in geography. It would be a fun and somewhat challenging project to have students create a map of Panem based on the context clues given for each district and its people. While I can think of many ways to integrate this book into my classes, I'm a bit uneasy about using it due to the amount of violence. If I were to use this book, I would definitely want to get all the parents and Principal on board before beginning.