Stuff for the Teen Age
The Hunger Games Is Over, Now What? 10 Books to Take Its Place
You just finished reading The Hunger Games series, maybe it was years ago or maybe it was just recently (you had to prepare yourself for the film release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 this Friday, November 20). Now what? Having trouble figuring out what to read next? Feel like nothing else can compare to this unique series? Don’t fret, the library is here! The Hunger Games gave readers a sense of adventure, a sense that our human instinct could truly be tested, and my favorite aspect, a female character taking charge of her own destiny.
So as we as we “close the book” on this series, let us take a look at 10 books that are filled with all the things you loved about The Hunger Games. Whether you are looking for your new adventure, a new dystopian story, or just girls kicking butt, you’ll definitely find next great read here:
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding: Young British boys stranded on a deserted island try to govern themselves which leads to tragic results. A terrific classic that takes a deeper look into the human heart and the book, I believe, started the YA dystopian genre.
- The Diviners by Libba Bray: Evie O'Neil always mange to have a good time. But her life becomes serious when she helps her uncle solve a series of murders in 1920s New York City. However, Evie has every intention to rise to the occasion...especially since her life is at risk. A great novel that explores self-actualization with a supernatural twist of course the good old-fashioned "good vs. evil" never gets old
- Uglies by Scott Westerfield: If you had the choice to pretty, perfect and live a worry-free existence would you take it? That is the heavy dilemma Tally Youngblood and other 16-year-olds must face. But as Tally finds out, there is a heavy price to pay for "perfect beauty." A great read for dystopian book lovers.
- The Young Elites by Marie Lu: After surviving a deadly illness over a decade ago, Adelina Amoteru was left with not only just scars, but powerful, mysterious gifts. However, Adelina's vengeful heart makes anyone in her path a dangerous target. An interesting twist where the heroine can actually be the villainess.
- Battale Royale by Koshun Takami; translated by Yuji Oniki: The original "Hunger Games." A group of junior high students are forced to fight each other to the death under a totalitarian Japanese government. If you miss The Hunger Games, this should definitely be your next read.
- The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa: Alison Sekemento, a vampire, must pass as a human in order to stay with a group of rebels who are in search for a legend, a possible cure that for the disease that killed off most of human civilization. If you're not sick of vampires, a great readalike book for dystopian readers.
- Legend by Marie Lu: Feeling nostalgic over Katniss's rebellious spirit and perseverance? June is rising up in the ranks in the Republic, but her brother's death and a false accusation leads her uncover the sinister secrets of their country.
- The Maze Runner by James Dashner: What would happen if you ever woke up in a maze? Read and see how young teens' limits are pushed to the limit in this thrilling adventure.
- An Ember in The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir: Laia, a spy, and Elias, a soldier, join forces to take down the tyrannical government in the Martial Empire. This gives a little whiff of the Katniss and Peeta relationship.
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer: A retelling of a popular classic but an interesting take on a young girl finding her own place in the world.
Make sure to check out The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, out this Friday!
And may the odds from these book recommendations be ever in your favor.
Read E-Books with SimplyE
With your library card, it's easier than ever to choose from more than 300,000 e-books on SimplyE, The New York Public Library's free e-reader app. Gain access to digital resources for all ages, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and more.
If you don’t have an NYPL library card, New York State residents can apply for a digital card online or through SimplyE (available on the App Store or Google Play).
Need more help? Read our guide to using SimplyE.
Comments
YA Dystopian Fiction - another series to try
Submitted by COS (not verified) on November 23, 2015 - 7:19pm
I've read a lot of these
Submitted by Daniel Neufeld (not verified) on September 13, 2017 - 8:54am