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The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
The Hunger Games is not illegal in the USA, but some public school districts have removed or age-restricted it after parent complaints about violence and age suitability.
- Status
- Restricted
- Country
- USA
- Category
- Books
- Banned since
- 2010
- Last checked
- 26/10/2026
The Hunger Games is legal to buy, own and read everywhere in the United States. The only restrictions are local: some public school districts have removed it from libraries or limited it to older students.
What Exactly Is Restricted
The restrictions apply only to public school libraries, classrooms and reading lists. They do not apply to public libraries, bookstores, e-book stores or audiobook apps. There is no federal or state law naming the book, and no penalty for any reader.
Depending on the district, a restriction can mean:
- Removing the book from school library shelves
- Moving it from middle school to high school libraries
- Requiring parent permission before a student borrows it
- Taking it off required or optional reading lists
Who Decides
Decisions are made by individual school boards and district review committees, usually after a formal “request for reconsideration” from a parent or community member. Under a broad definition used by PEN America, even a temporary removal during a review counts as a ban.
Where the Risk Is Highest
Book removals are not spread evenly across the country. In the 2024–25 school year, Florida, Texas and Tennessee recorded the most school book bans. In those states, wide library reviews can pull popular titles even without a direct complaint.
What It Means for Students and Parents
- Students: You can still borrow the book from your local public library or read it as an e-book.
- Parents: If your district removed it, you can ask the school board for the review records or speak during public comment at board meetings.
- Teachers: Check your district’s current reading list policy before assigning it.
Status in the UK
The Hunger Games is not banned or restricted in the UK. It is widely stocked in UK schools and libraries.
Current Status
The book remains restricted only at the district level. It also appears on PEN America’s list of books banned for themes of activism and social movements. To understand the complaints behind these decisions, read our full breakdown of the reasons it was challenged.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to read The Hunger Games in the USA?
No. Only some public school districts restrict it. You can buy it or borrow it from a public library anywhere.
Can a school stop my child from reading The Hunger Games?
A school can remove it from its own library or reading list, but it cannot stop your child from reading a personal or public library copy.
Which US states ban the most books?
In the 2024–25 school year, Florida, Texas and Tennessee recorded the most school book bans.
Is The Hunger Games banned in the UK?
No. It is freely available in UK schools, libraries and bookshops.