Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, is the first in a series of books about a boy named Luke. The setting takes place in the future, when the country is running out of food for all of the people. The government has banned families from having more than two children. However, Luke is an illegal third "shadow" child, hiding in his house, wondering why he cannot play outside like his brothers. Until, one day, Luke discovers that he is not the only shadow child in the neighborhood!

I love this fantasy book (specifically, science fiction) because it deals with many adult themes and even appropriately mentions quotes like "Give me liberty or give me death!" and applies it to the story. It is an interesting look on what the future might look like if the government has too much power and how that can affect different types of families living next to each other.

This book was a page-turner. Very suspenseful. I can't wait to read the rest of the series because it left me hanging at the end!

--Mr. Riedl
2010-06-29