Review: AMONG THE HIDDEN by Margaret Peterson Haddix

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 1998. Among the Hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689817002.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Margaret Peterson Haddix tells the story of young Luke who lives in a society whose every action is overseen by the “Government” down to the number of children a family can have. The law forbids having more than two children per family. Unfortunately for Luke, he is the third-born child in his family which means his existence must be kept a secret. He is exiled to his attic room with no outside contact with the rest of the world until he discovers that a family who has moved in next door also has a third child. He befriends the girl, Jen, by sneaking over to her house where they communicate with other “shadow children” via the Internet. When his strong-willed friend decides to organize a rally to demand rights for all third children, Luke’s life changes forever.
This is the first in Haddix’s “shadow children” series.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This suspenseful page-turner engages the reader with every moment. The reader empathizes with Luke early in the story when he finds out that because the woods around his house are being cut down, he will be confined to his house and never be allowed to go outdoors again. The suspense begins when Luke discovers that a third child has moved in right next door and subsequently decides to risk his life by sneaking over to her house to meet her. Young readers will also identify with the tough decisions Luke faces as he becomes closer to Jen. Should he follow her on her crusade to fight for the rights of the “shadow children” or stay in hiding to protect himself?

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
VOYA review: “This is an easily understood, younger reader's 1984 or Brave New World, presenting a chilling vision of a possibly not-too-distant future.”
ALAN REVIEW: “Although the denouement is swift and tidy, the fully realized setting, honest characters, and fast paced plot combine for a suspenseful tale of two youngsters fighting for their very existence.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Among the Hidden provides many opportunities for discussion and journal writing as Luke is subjected to making many critical decisions in the story. There are also plenty of opportunities to present “what if” scenarios to the students to consider.
*Students will be anxious to continue reading the story in the following books:
Among the Imposters ISBN 9780689839085
Among the Betrayed ISBN 9780689839092
Among the Barons ISBN 9780689839108
Among the Brave ISBN 9780689857959
Among the Enemy ISBN 9780689857973
Among the Free ISBN 9780689857997