“The Dandelion in the Spring”

Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games trilogy (2008–2010) has been widely celebrated for its portrayal of a tough-minded young woman who, through a mix of gumption and luck, challenges authority to become a central figure in a larger revolution against a violent dystopian regime. Collins boldly flouts literary stereotypes that keep female protagonists waiting at home, and proclaims that girls can do anything boys can do, including strategize, make demands, and even hunt and kill. Readers across the blogosphere have written extensively about their excitement over Katniss and her fight. “I would encourage my daughter to read this series,” writes one fashion blogger. A former political science professor glows, “I am thrilled that a popular book series features a strong, kick-ass-and-take-names female character.” ¹ Feminist pop culture authority Bitch Magazine extols “Katniss Everdeen's value as a feminist heroine” and includes The Hunger Games on its list of “100 Young Adult Books for the Feminist Reader.” ² It is hardly an exaggeration when Meghan Lewitt declares this “tough-as-nails” protagonist “the most important female character in recent pop culture history.” “Katniss Everdeen is more than just a teen idol of the moment,” Lewitt insists. “She is a heroine for the ages.” ³