Hunger Games at Our House

A few years ago, when K-boy was in third grade, he started getting more into chapter books. Like a good mom, I would listen to him read aloud and correct any mispronunciations. It was good, quality time spent together.

Eventually, around fourth grade, he went looking for more exciting books packed with action and drama. He found a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at the library and quickly became engrossed in it. I wanted to make sure that he was comprehending what he read, so when he was done with a chapter, he would pass it on to me to read, and then we'd have lovely discussions about the plot and characters. We moved through the whole series this way. Soon it became an established pattern with us. Whenever he read something he wanted me to read it too, because he welcomed my opinion.

Fast forward a to the present time. K-boy is twelve, and still an avid reader. M-girl, at eight has discovered the wonders of chapter books too, and much of my time is spent reading with her. D-boy is entering first grade, and is in the early stages of literacy (again time-consuming for me).

I'll admit I haven't been able to keep up with K-boy's reading lists for me. I've got a stack of books on my nightstand that I've fallen behind on. To be honest, when he brought home, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins I was less than enthusiastic. I'd heard the hype, and frankly the thoughts of reading about a futuristic, distopian society did nothing for me.

To give K-boy credit, he finished it in two days and urged me to read it. I procrastinated. It wasn't until I was renewing library books online the other day and I realized that I couldn't renew the book that I finally decided to read it. I figured I ought to talk to my adolescent son about any disturbing imagery in the book.

I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. I spent the last couple of days speed reading about the adventures of Katniss and Peeta, returned it on time, and now I want more.

Here's the thing. K-boy has managed to get into the good graces of a librarian (imagine that, a librarian who likes a kid who reads) and secured a highly in demand copy of the next book, Catching Fire. So I suggested to my sweet son that seeing how we've both read the first book now, wouldn't it be sooo much fun to read the second book like we used to? Share after every chapter?!

He said no with a smirk on his face. He knows how much I want to read it now.

Well, tonight he happens to be out of the house. While I was putting laundry away in his room I may have happened to glance around to see if I could find the book. You know, to see what page he's on. This is what I found.

When my hand accidentally knocked aside those papers on his desk...this was revealed.

Yes, he hid it! From me, his mother! It's like he doesn't trust me or something!

Well, heehee! Two can play at this game. I'm going to read the first chapter while he's gone. Then I'll leave it on my nightstand. Let the games begin, K-boy!

linking to:  Finding the Funny