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."

My First... by Eva Montanari

"All Alice wants for her birthday is a doll. That is all—just a doll! She gets the baby carriage and embroidered socks ready. But her parents give her something entirely different! Will she learn to appreciate the extraordinary nature of her present? Will you? Unique artwork with unusual perspectives and colors fill this special book about a young girl’s enjoyment of her book."

from Amazon.com

Sophie Peterman tells the truth by Sarah Weeks

"PreS-Gr 2—In no uncertain terms, a girl warns readers about the perils of a new sibling. Looking like an alien at first, and the object of unwarranted praise and attention, a baby is prone to all manner of gross behaviors. Sophie reveals that the situation doesn't get better as the infant grows into a toddler (known as a "monster"): stealing Halloween candy, swallowing lucky marbles, and exhibiting general uninhibited behavior. She softens, though, when the monster begins to focus affection on her but leaves readers with a warning not to reveal this softness to parents lest they repeat the experience. "
from School Library Journal

The Thief and the Beanstalk by P.W. Catanese

"Nick joins a band of thieves and must break into a large white castle that allegedly holds an old man, Jack--rich from a quest up a magical beanstalk--but when Nick has to journey up the same beanstalk, it holds unfamiliar foes. " Follett
Read more at: http://www.pwcatanese.com/catanese_thief.htm

A Dog's Life by Ann Martin

"Squirrel, a stray puppy, tells her life story, from her nurturing mother and brother to making her own way in the world, facing busy highways, changing seasons, and humans both gentle and brutal." Follett

This book has been loved as a Read Aloud in the first grade classrooms at Norwood.