Hunger Games?

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

Ten year old DS has asked to read Hunger Games as one of his friends is reading it. My first instinct is a huge no, but I do have form for being over protective and strict! I can't remember the books as much as the films so wondered if that was putting me off. The parents of the child who's reading them is generally strict and sensible (she's a teacher too) so wondering if I'm out of step here.

Violence certainly - but there's no sex in the Hunger Games

There are a few indications of prostitution but nothing very explicit, kids may not even realise it.

Stuff like some women used to queue outside a man's door. Katniss said she probably would have done the same if she hadn't learned how to hunt and forage. Also something about secrets told in the sweaty pillows or whatever suggesting Finnick and others were sold to rich people. Mere suggestions that can pass over a kid's head. I love it that the author doesn't shy away from it but does it in a sensible fashion

Whole load of kissing and "feelings" too.

You can't understand the whole exploitation of the young people and the provinces unless you understand the extent of the abuse?

I use Common Sense Media to help me decide on what is suitable. We only use it as guidance for books but knowing the book I agree with their 12+ rating for the book.

I think people do underestimate children but also overestimate how upset they will be by fantasy - because they don’t think of it in the horrific realistic way we do. It’s completely make believe and it’s not actually scary, just awful.

For example reading Harry Potter as a ten year old was way less scary then reading it as an adult.

I agree that a lot of these more adult themes don’t quite click

Exactly they won’t quite understand or they might know vaguely but not think about it or know how horrible that actually is.