The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel)
Scholastic Press 2020
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6.1 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- power and corruption
- ambition
- survival
- morality and choice
- class inequality
- propaganda and control
- identity
- trust and betrayal
About this book
Set decades before Katniss, this prequel returns to Panem during the Tenth Hunger Games and follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors a tribute from District 12. The story explores how the Games evolved and the forces that shape power, loyalty, and survival. With high stakes, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas, it’s a gripping read for teens who enjoy complex characters and dystopian worlds. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games looking to see the origins of the Capitol’s control without needing prior series knowledge.
Setting: Panem—primarily the Capitol and District 12—shortly after the Dark Days, during the Tenth Hunger Games
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel). The reading level is AR 6.1, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include power and corruption, ambition, survival.
How long does it take to read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel)?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel) takes around 16h to finish. The book has 169,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel) has an AR quiz available, worth 27 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel)?
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (a Hunger Games Novel) has an AR reading level of 6.1, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.