A New Book Review from Jenny:

Among the Hidden
By Margaret Peterson Haddix
Reading Level 5.2

This is the first book in a series of the “Shadow Children,” those children born illegally in a futuristic society where families are only allowed two children. Luke is a twelve-year-old “shadow child” having lived all of his life in isolation and fear on his family’s farm until he discovers another “third” living nearby. This other child convinces Luke that the government is wrong, there is no population problem, and they must fight for their freedom.

I loved this book because of the thought-provoking topics it addresses. Its a great book for getting children to think about today’s societies that struggle with a population explosion and what it might be like to live in a place where resources are limited and the government dictates how many children you can have. It provides a perspective on our earth’s limited sustainability, problems in resource distribution, and the corruption perpetrated by the “haves” and the “have-nots.” It reminds me of a modern day version of George Orwell’s 1984. I would use this at the middle school level to explore all of the above topics. It could also be used to explore the broader subject of “community.” ~ Jenny

Thank you, Jenny for sharing this book review. I look forward to reading it!

Sophie