Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1)

Reader reviewed by Jennie

Luke lives on a farm. He used to be able to play in the back yard, but that changed when the government cut down all the trees. Luke is an illegal third child, so he has to hide in the house. It has been like this since before he was born. The government only allows two children per family. Luke thinks he is the only third child. But that all changes when the people next door move in and he thinks he sees someone, after he watched everyone leave the house.

Reader reviewed by Abby

Among the Hidden is the First book in the Shadow Children series. Luke is a 3rd child trapped in his house for all of his life, well so he thought. Luke grew up on an isolated farm. When the government takes down the woods hiding the house, Luke can't even go near windows. While up in his attick, looking out his vent to the outside world, he sees a child. Home alone, does he go out and risk his life to find out who they were? or does he stay safe in his attick wondering? Read Among the Hidden to find the answer.

Reader reviewed by Jacqueline

Among the Hidden is an excellent book for upper elementary and middle school students (it is for grades 5-8). The story is set in modern times in an unnamed country where families are only allowed to have two children. Luke is a third child and he has to stay in hiding in order to avoid death. He meets Jen, another third child, who plans to stage a rally at the capitol for the right of third children to live. If you like suspenseful stories and being surprised, you won't want to miss this one! If you liked other books by this author,City of Ember, the books by Caroline B. Cooney, or the Giver, you will like this book.

Reader reviewed by Mrs. Cummings

I am a librarian. I just read this book to a class of 5th graders, and we all loved it. The idea was so original, and Haddix really knows how to build suspense. The ending was a surprise. Definitely an original book.

I became curious after reading this book about China's One Child Policy. I plan to research that to find out more.

Reader reviewed by Josh

Reader reviewed by Josh

Reader reviewed by Joshua

Reader reviewed by Chloe

I loved this book. It is filled with suspense and is really thrilling. Once I started reading it in fourth grade I didn't want to put it down. This book is about a boy named Luke Garner who is an illegal third child. He takes a "wild"adventure and breaks the rules. When you start reading it, you will be on the edge of your seat with excitement. If I were you I would pick up this book and read it!!!!!!! 

Reader reviewed by Elizabeth

This book is about a boy who hides from the government because of the population law.  This law doesn't let adults have more than two kids.  If an adult has three, four or even five children and gets caught by the government the kid will get killed.

Reader reviewed by Ellie dog

When Luke was younger he thought when he was as old as Matthew and Mark he could stop hiding but luke is older and knows that that will never happen because Luke is a third child and third children are illegell. Luke is very lonley until he sees a very strange face that he knows dosent belong.I love this book for all its sad and never forgetable characters.