Successful children’s television writer Suzanne Collins had already penned a bestselling series of books for young readers before creating The Hunger Games. But who could have anticipated that the new novel would launch one of the most successful series of all time—rivaling the likes of Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Baby-Sitters Club?
Publisher Scholastic swiftly increased an initial print run of 50,000 to 200,000 after demand for the gritty dystopian adventure story exploded in October 2008. Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” Greek mythology, and just war theory, The Hunger Games is the story of Katniss Everdeen, a brave 16-year-old from an impoverished district of prosperous post-apocalyptic North American nation Panem, who takes her sister’s place in a televised gladiatorial battle. Each year, two randomly selected warriors from each of 12 districts must fight to the death for the entertainment and favor of the ruling class.
The themes of love, survival, oppression, violence, and rebellion resonated with readers: The Hunger Games spent more than 100 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and was followed there by sequels Catching Fire (2009) and Mockingjay (2010) and prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2020). The books launched five wildly successful feature films with all-star casts led by Jennifer Lawrence.
Today, there are more than 100 million copies of the books in print and digital formats worldwide, with foreign publishing rights sold in 54 languages—an undeniable tribute to their abiding appeal.
Editor at large Megan Labrise hosts the Fully Booked podcast.
