Among the Hidden (Book)

Haddix, M. (1998). Among the hidden. New York, NY: Aladdin. 

Genre: Science Fiction

Interest Level: Age 9 to 12

Subjects/Themes: Free Will, Isolation, Government Control, Population Problems, Food Distribution

Plot:  Luke lives isolated from the rest of the world.  He’ll never go to school or shopping or to a friend’s house.  He’ll never meet anyone outside of his immediate family.  He’s grandparents don’t even know that he exists.  This is because Luke is the third child born in a time where resources are so scarce families are only allowed two.  Being stuck inside all the time, Luke has nothing to pass the time except watch his new neighbors as they come and go.  That’s when Luke notices someone else moving around in the neighbor’s house when no one should be home.  That’s when Luke decides to take a risk and investigate in person.  And that’s when Luke meets Jen, another third child.  But Jen thinks third children shouldn’t have to hide.  She thinks they should be able to live freely like everyone else.  And she plans to do something about it whether Luke helps her or not. 

Personal Thoughts: A great read, this book will have children reaching for the next books in the series as soon as they finish the first.  The world in which Luke lives in is described in such a way that makes it a frighteningly real possible future.  Young boys will relate to Luke’s yearnings to be able to play outside, run, shout, and play without the fear of being found.  Readers who get frustrated by Luke’s obedience will find themselves enjoying Jen’s big and small shows of defiance.  The last few chapters of the book pick up a suspenseful pace and the ending doesn’t disappoint.

Awards:

ALA Top 10 Best Books for Young Adults (1999)

ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2000)

Bank Street College’s Children’s Book Committee’s "Best Children’s Books of the Year" for 12 & Up from 1998 to 2008. (http://www.bankstreet.edu/bookcom/best_twelveup.html)

State Readers Choice Awards (voted on by kids):

California Young Readers Medal

Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Minnesota)

Nevada Young Readers' Award

Great Stone Face Award (New Hampshire)

Nutmeg Children's Book Award (Connecticut)

Sunshine State Young Readers' Award (Florida)

Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award

Young Hoosier Book Award (Indiana)

Indian Paintbrush Book Award (Wyoming)

Iowa Children's Choice Award

Other Books by in the Shadow Children Series: Among the Imposters (Bk. 2); Among the Betrayed (Bk. 3); Among the Barons (Bk. 4); Among the Brave (Bk. 5); Among the Enemy (Bk. 6); Among the Free (Bk.7)

Author’s Website: http://www.haddixbooks.com/home.html#

Note: A copy of this blog entry can also be found at https://tweenscifi.wordpress.com/ as part of my contributrion to a group collection of Notable Science Fiction titles for Tweens created for a LIBR 264 genre project.