Algebra and geometry teacher Shannon Bowers recently read “Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins. 

“It was so intriguing and emotional,” Bowers said. “[Haymitch’s] backstory was told with such depth and detail of his journey.”

This prequel to “The Hunger Games” trilogy is one of two and follows Haymitch Abernathy at 16 years old during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the second quarter quell. It is a more special game since it is a big anniversary of the games. 

In this specific one there are double the amount of players than normal making it a game against 48 kids rather than 24. The story dives into Abernathy’s backstory and his experience of love and loss in the games, making him who readers know and love as the mentor of Katniss and Peeta in the original trilogy 24 years later. 

“I chose to read this book based on a recommendation to my daughter who loves ‘The Hunger Games’,” Bowers said. 

Suzanne Collins is an American best-selling author known for writing dystopian and science fiction novels. She is best known for “The Hunger Games” series featuring the main trilogy with two prequels that have also been turned into movies. Although she is mostly known for one series she has also written the children’s series “The Underland Chronicles,” the picture book “When Charlie Mcbutton Lost Power,” and her own autobiography picture book “Year of the Jungle.”

“I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian and especially loved the original series,” Bowers said. “Even if you haven’t read the original, it is still a good standalone.” 

The novel explores themes about propaganda, manipulation, and the power or resistance of authoritarian control.