Title: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” 

Author: Suzanne Collins 

Reading level: Young adult 

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is the anticipated prequel to “The Hunger Games” series. 

This novel focuses on President Cornelius Snow before he took over Panem. The book is set during the 10th Hunger Games.  

Cornelius has just been chosen to be one of the mentors for the newest tributes out of District 12, and he must learn to train the tributes without developing any emotional attachments to them – a task at which he fails. 

This book is perfect for fans of the original trilogy. It gives much–needed explanation for President Snow’s deep hatred of Katniss. In this novel, it shows how Snow wasn’t always the ruthless and cold-hearted man we see in “The Hunger Games.”  

Part of what makes this book a great read is its ability to explain human behavior. All readers could learn how people’s lives can be drastically changed by their experiences. 

Title: “My Lady Jane” 

Authors: Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand and Jodi Meadows 

Reading level: Young adult 

“My Lady Jane” follows the lives of Lady Jane Grey and King Edward VI of England. Jane Grey was Edward’s cousin through his aunt Mary. This novel focuses on how Lady Jane Grey was temporarily made Queen of England after Edward’s death until her execution for taking the throne from Queen Mary of England. Jane is just a teenage girl thrown into a world of court intrigue, magic and sibling rivalry. 

This book is great for readers who love historical fiction. It is both comedic and serious.  

Each of the authors write one character, and they create one cohesive story from three different character perspectives. This writing style makes the story dynamic and well–rounded. Readers will enjoy seeing how the same events result in different emotions and feelings from the three characters.