Summary:
Luke doesn't exist, well not as far as the government is concerned anyway. He is a third child (brothers- Matthew and Mark) in a world where the Population Police strictly enforce the two child rule. He lives in the attic of his house, and once new housing is developed near the family farm, is never allowed to venture outside. For his safety they say, he is forced to do everything separate from his family, who are able to walk around in the house without fear, including eating dinner in a window free area. He grows increasingly lonely as his mother, brothers, and father all leave the house on a daily basis. One day, while looking through his vent (his only connection to the world) he spots another child in the Baron subdivision behind his farm. He knows that the rest of the family has already left for the day, and hopes that, just maybe, this maybe be another hidden child like him. While feeling particularly brave he sneaks over to the house and breaks in, where he finds Jen, a shadow child just like him. Jen introduces him to a whole new world- chat rooms, junk food, even shopping. She shows Luke the argument for and against the complete government control, and begins to encourage him into advocacy for the hidden children. Although she tries, Jen is unable to convince Luke to attend the rally she has out together. Jen goes anyway, marching to the president's house in protest. When Luke does not hear from Jen for sometime, he again sneaks to her house only to be caught by her father. He explains that Jen and the rest of the children were viciously murdered in broad daylight. Gunned down by uncaring Population Police. By visiting the house and attempting to enter the chat room to find Jen, Luke unknowingly puts himself in danger. Jen's father offers a fake ID and a chance out, knowing the police will be hunting for Luke soon. Luke decides to take the offer, and leaves for boarding school as Lee Grant.
My Thoughts:
A page turner! Among the Hidden was an Orwellian type story for the younger set. While it may fall into the Fantasy/Sci-Fi genre, the setting of the story is realistic enough that even a less experienced reader can visualize the actions that take place. From start to finish the chapters end with a tantalizing abruptness, leaving the reader wanting just one more page before heading to bed. I must admit I was surprised that the description of the death of Jen was as frank and abrupt as it was, especially for a children's book, it certainly made the story that much more believable. It wasn't wrapped up with a pretty bow, Luke's life really was dangerous and difficult. I am looking forward to booktalking this with the middle schoolers as soon as I get back to school!
Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Kirkus Reviews-
"In a chilling and intelligent novel, Haddix (Leaving Fishers, 1997, etc.) envisions a near future where a totalitarian US limits families to only two children. Luke, 12, the third boy in his farming family, has been hidden since birth, mostly in the attic, safe for the time being from the Population Police, who eradicate such "shadow children." Although he is protected, Luke is unhappy in his radical isolation, rereading a few books for entertainment and eating in a stairwell so he won't be seen through the windows....Haddix offers much for discussion here, by presenting a world not too different from America right now. The seizing of farmlands, untenable food regulations, and other scenarios that have come to fruition in these pages will give readers a new appreciation for their own world after a visit to Luke's."
Awards and Accolades-
Chosen for 25+ state reading lists
YALSA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (1999)
Recommended Literature by the California Board of Education
My Ideas:
This book is a wonderful read-aloud. Whether the librarian reads the first chapter alone to get the children interested, or is able to read a chapter daily to a class- the students will enjoy hearing this story read. After reading (or introducing) the librarian could also have a display of the other 6 books in the Shadow Children series.
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