Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - 8th grade book club

After the environment is destroyed, all that is left of the United States are 12 struggling districts controlled by a vicious Capitol city that keeps the once rebellious districts in line through the Hunger Games. Every year two teenagers from each district are randomly chosen to compete in a televised gladiator-style competition to the death - only one will survive to bring glory (and food!) to his or her home town. Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the Hunger Games after her younger sister is chosen. Growing up in one of the poorest districts taught Katniss some survival skills, but she is up against teens from the richest districts, who train as professional killers and volunteer for the thrill of it. And soon Katniss realizes that Peeta, the boy sent from her district, is in love with her... *** A cross between Survivor and "The Lottery," with a little Lord of the Flies. Definitely not for the faint of heart! The sequel, Catching Fire, is great too. Be forewarned, though - it's a projected trilogy and the third isn't out yet!