Among the Hidden
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Bibliography
Haddix, M. (1998). Among the hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-81700-2
Summary
In this futuristic story where food shortages have prompted government control of population; we meet twelve year Luke, who “doesn’t exist”. Since families are not allowed more than two children, Luke (the third child) has been hidden away his entire life. In his younger years it was not so bad because the farm allowed him freedoms of exploring outdoors and helping his parents. Now the government has forced the sale of the woods and livestock and built housing for government officials in its place so Luke must stay concealed in the attic at all times. His days grow even lonelier when it becomes necessary for his mother to take a job in a factory. Until one day he discovers another shadow child in the house next door.
My Impression
The characters are not very developed and the action is limited. The ending of the book offers a glimmer hope, but the overall book is fairly depressing. It does leave the reader with some unsettling ‘what if’ thoughts to ponder.
Reviews
Publishers Weekly
This futuristic novel focuses on a totalitarian regime and the Internet. PW noted, "The plot development is sometimes implausible and the characterizations a bit brittle, but the unsettling, thought-provoking premise should suffice to keep readers hooked."
School Library Journal
Born third at a time when having more than two children per family is illegal and subject to seizure and punishment by the Population Police, Luke has spent all of his 12 years in hiding. His parents disobeyed once by having him and are determined not to do anything unlawful again. At first the woods around his family's farm are thick enough to conceal him when he plays and works outdoors, but when the government develops some of that land for housing, his world narrows to just the attic. Gazing through an air vent at new homes, he spies a child's face at a window after the family of four has already left for the day. Is it possible that he is not the only hidden child? Answering this question brings Luke greater danger than he has ever faced before, but also greater possibilities for some kind of life outside of the attic. This is a near future of shortages and deprivation where widespread famines have led to a totalitarian government that controls all aspects of its citizens' lives. When the boy secretly ventures outside the attic and meets the girl in the neighboring house, he learns that expressing divergent opinions openly can lead to tragedy. -Susan L. Rogers
Suggested Activities
Luke reads books supporting government control of population and regulation other things in society such as what food can be produced and the outlawing of ‘junk food’. The Internet articles that Jen give Luke take the opposing side. Have students choose sides and defend their views.
