By Suzanne Collins' '
384 pages; Scholastic

This series is the latest literary-meets-pop-culture phenomenon. In it, North America has collapsed and the cruel government that takes over is forcing the 12 districts that remain to send two teenage representatives to participate in the annual Hunger Games. Sixteen-year-old Katniss is forced to fight 23 other contestants to the death, gladiator-style, in the popular televised event.