Among The Hidden

Among the Hidden is the first of the Shadow Children series, and it's a great introduction to dystopian sci-fi literature which is a very popular trend in YA literature with books like the Hunger Games. Among the Hidden is written for middle-grade students and introduces Luke, a twelve year old boy who has never had a birthday, never gone to school, and never known much of a world beyond his family's small farm. Soon, even that is taken from him, as the government turns the land on Luke's farm into a wealthy housing development. Luke is hidden in his family's attic for fear of detection. Luke is an illegal third child, and if he is found, he will be executed by the Population Police and his family will be punished. In his isolation, Luke spots another illegal child in a neighboring home. Soon, he risks it all, escaping his home and breaking into the neighboring home where he meets Jen. Jen wants to bring the status of the shadow children as she calls them to light and to mobilize. Haddix introduces two likeable and relatable characters with this story, as well as a world that is scary but also highly believable. Food shortages have forced the government to enact population controls. This action-packed book also raises a lot of serious questions without being heavy-handed. At 158 pages, this slim volume will entice readers into its dystopian world and have them begging for the next book in the series.