Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games comes out in theaters November 22, 2013. The book series that inspired the films is just one in a long (and growing) list of post-apocalyptic dystopian-themed young adult fiction series that has become popular with all age groups.
College of Charleston Teacher Education Professor Emily Skinner lists the next five books for Hunger Games fans to speed-read before the much-anticipated film adaptations come out.
1. Divergent (2012) – Veronica Roth
Since its February 2012 release, the three-book Divergent series has been published in its entirety and filming has completed for the first of the series’ feature films. In the Divergent universe, a dystopian society run by an oppressive government requires citizens to pledge to specific factions based on their most prominent quality; either honesty, selflessness, bravery, peacefulness or intelligence, until protagonist Tris emerges as divergent and threatens a revolution.
[Related: Divergent author Veronica Roth to speak at YALL Fest in Charleston]
2. Delirium (2012)- Lauren Oliver
The Delirium series follows Lena Holloway in a dystopian American society run by a government that has determined love is a dangerous disease. Upon turning 18, citizens are required to undergo a lobotomy-like procedure to cure them of the disease, or become “invalids” in the wilds outside regulated cities if they can escape alive. The complete three-book series has been released and a made-for-TV movie is scheduled to air in 2013.
3. Matched (2011) – Ally Condie
Matched is about Cassia, a young girl in a controlling society that matches “ideal” couples to ensure a safe and content life. At her Matching ceremony, Cassia is matched with Xander but an alleged glitch also shows her another boy named Ky and leaves Cassia questioning the system she’s always trusted. The second and third book in the three-book series have been published and the film adaptation is in development.
[Related: Emily Skinner relates The Hunger Games to Twilight and Harry Potter]
4. Ender’s Game (1994) – Orson Scott Card
Set in the distant future, Earth has become endangered by a threatening alien race. To protect Earth, the government drafts promising adolescent humans to train for battle in a space station. The five-book series follows Andrew “Ender” Wiggins, the leader chosen from a school filled with peers, as he fights to defend Earth while struggling with internal pressures. The film adaptation of Ender’s Game was released November, 2013.
5. The Giver (1993) – Lois Lowry
In a society that began with promises of happiness and simplicity, citizens live with minimal choice and no threat of war, controversy or excitement. When protagonist Jonas comes of age, however, he is assigned the role of “Receiver of Memory,” and is trained by an elder named The Giver granted access to memories of society before it was so closely controlled. He becomes aware of the vibrant life his people can’t experience and must decide what course of action to pursue. A new film version of The Giver is scheduled for release in 2014.
[Related: Discover GoodReads list of books like The Hunger Games]
For more information on young adult fiction, contact Emily Skinner at skinnere@cofc.edu.
