The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games)
Scholastic Australia 2025
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 6 (6th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- ambition and power
- survival
- morality and choice
- class inequality
- manipulation and control
- loyalty and betrayal
- propaganda
- identity
About this book
Set decades before Katniss, this prequel follows a teenage Coriolanus Snow as he mentors a tribute in the 10th Hunger Games. As the Capitol experiments with a harsher version of the Games, Coriolanus must choose between ambition and conscience. The story explores how power is built and at what cost, with tense action inside and outside the arena. Best for older teens who enjoy dystopian world‑building, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes drama.
Setting: dystopian Panem—primarily the Capitol and District 12—during the 10th Hunger Games, decades before the original trilogy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games). The reading level is AR 6, 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 ambition and power, survival, morality and choice.
How long does it take to read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games)?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games) takes around 16h to finish. The book has 170,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games) have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games) 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 (The Hunger Games)?
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games) has an AR reading level of 6, 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.