Teachers are using The Hunger Games craze to inspire kids to read more

FERNDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) - If you haven't heard about The Hunger Games yet, ask some youngsters near you. 

The tickets go on sale February 22nd for the much-anticipated movie coming out on March 23 ^rd, and die-hard fans of the young adult book series can’t wait.

“It’s one of the greatest books I’ve ever read,” said Olilvia Cole, a 7 ^th grade student at Ferndale Middle School .

A HUNGER FOR READING

Teachers have caught on to The Hunger Games craze, too.

Ferndale Middle School has partnered with the Ferndale Public Library for a new reading initiative involving Suzanne Collins ’ best-selling novels.

The school purchased 110 copies of the first book in the trilogy – The Hunger Games.  It was written for readers 12 and up.

The 7 ^th and 8 ^th graders are encouraged to attend group book discussions, trivia games, even a party at the library.

Any student who attends at least one library event will be entered into a drawing to go on a field trip to see The Hunger Games movie.

“I think it’s a great thing,” said Ferndale Middle School student Nick Melton. “I actually went to the trivia contest they had, and I placed third with my partner.”

LOVE OF THE GAME

So why do they love the book so much?

“It’s a whole combination of every genre you can think of – sci-fi, romance, action,” described 7 ^th grade student Sydnie Thompson.

“It’s about a fight to the finish for survivial,” explained Kevonna Brown -- an 8 ^th grade student who is reading the book. “Later in the book, they get into the romance.”

Teachers are thrilled the kids are getting into the series so much.

“Anything we can do to get them to have a hunger for the reading, that’s what we’re looking for with The Hunger Games series. And we’re hoping that they’ll continue on with books two and three,” said Derek Adams, School Improvement Team Chair at Ferndale Middle School.

CROSS-OVER APPEAL

The books aren’t just popular among tweens and teens.

You can’t keep them on library shelves.

The Library Network – a public library cooperative serving 65 libraries in southeast Michigan – shares catalog and materials.   Right now, there are currently 510 holds on The Hunger Games.

“We won't be seeing the eight copies we own for a very long time,” smiled Jillean McCommons, the head of Youth Services at Ferndale Public Library.

“I’m seeing parents who are in to the book.  I’m seeing grandparents who are in to this book who are asking me, ‘Can I get a copy of The Hunger Games?’” she added.

The trilogy’s second book is entitled Catching Fire .  The final book in the series is Mockingjay.