Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I just finished reading the Suzanne Collins trilogy.  I was wondering if any of you have read them, and what you think about grade level.  Online, I'm seeing from 5th grade up, some say 7th.  There was a lot of violence, but it was an important part of the plot and not too gory.  This first book in the trilogy made the New York Times Notable Children's Book and ALA Notable Children's Book Lists.  As well as ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults and ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers lists.

 If you haven't read the books yet, here's what Publisher's Weekly has to say, "A gripping story set in a postapocalyptic world where a replacement for the United States demands a tribute from each of its territories: two children to be used as gladiators in a televised fight to the death.Katniss, from what was once Appalachia, offers to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, but after this ultimate sacrifice, she is entirely focused on survival at any cost. It is her teammate, Peeta, who recognizes the importance of holding on to one's humanity in such inhuman circumstances. It's a credit to Collins's skill at characterization that Katniss, like a new Theseus, is cold, calculating and still likable."