Among the Hidden

Haddix, M, P. (1998). Among the Hidden. New York: Alladin Paperbacks

Plot Description: Luke is the third child but the population law says that families are only allowed to have two so he is forced to hide at all times and live in the attic.  Previously, he was able to go outside because the trees had hidden him but now the Government has cut down all the trees and he has new neighbors. He realizes that his next door neighbors also have a third child and he takes the chance on going over.  He meets Jen who is vibrant and passionate about her beliefs that third children should be free.  She organizes a rally in which she believes all the third children will be free.  Luke is too afraid to go but learns from Jen’s father, that she has been killed by the population police.  He is able to get Luke a fake id and Luke is forced to leave to start a new life in which he hopes to find a way to help other third children.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Group: This book would be appropriate for grades 5-9.

Similar Books: Among the Imposters and Among the Enemy are the second and third books in the series.

Personal Thought: This is a futuristic novel that shows how living with a totalitarian government that monitors everything can be. 

Subject/Themes: Friendship, Government Control, Laws,

Character Description: Luke twelve years old and is the third child.  His father is a farmer and his family does not have a lot of money.  He spends most of his time in the attic.

Jennifer is also a third child.  She lives next door and her family is very well off.  She dies during a rally in which she is trying to get freedom for other third children.

Awards: An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, California Young Readers Medal, and Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee’s “Best Children’s Book of the Year” list.

Annotation: Luke and Jennifer are known as shadow children because they are third children.  They are not allowed and therefore are forced to hide.  Jennifer has planned a rally in which she hopes to gain freedom for all the shadow children.  Will she be able to make a change or will things continue on as they were?