Are your kids talking about The Hunger Games books and movie, and are you not sure what to think of them? After all, isn’t the premise — about how a government controls and punishes its citizens by forcing their children to kill each other in annual televised games — a tad dark for kids?

I’m listening to the audio book while I jog (which, sadly, means I’m only on chapter four). However, I’ve already had some interesting conversations with my kids about the political set-up of Panem and about how the government takes away its citizens’ freedoms under the guise of protection and safety. (Two of my kids, ages 13 and 11, have read them, as has my husband David.) The movie debuts Friday the 23rd, so as you figure out your family’s Hunger Games philosophy, here are some links. (I’ve only scanned over the below pieces. In Janie’s article, there are huge spoilers, which are clearly marked.) “May the odds ever be in your favor!”

“A Parent’s Guide to the Hunger Games” by Rebecca Cusey

“An Exploration of the Books’ Relevance to Christians” by Janie Cheaney

The Hunger Games and the Gospel: Bread, Circuses, and the Kingdom of God (Kindle edition) by Julie Clawson