Helpful Score: 1
Among the Hidden is a book that I've been meaning to read for almost 20 years. And yes, that makes me feel very, very old.
In another classic YA dystopian novel, Haddix does what she does best: creates a world that is similar to our current reality, but with a twist. In this case, Among the Hidden follows Luke, a third child that has spent his entire life in hiding. His parents broke a government population control act to have him, and to keep him safe, he has no identity. He doesn't go to school, and has never seen another human other than his immediate family members.
His farming family lives in constant struggle to survive, as the nation fights to overcome famine and food shortages that necessitated the population cap 15 years ago. Their meager existance is further threatened by a new government-mandated housing development that goes up next to Luke's family farm, putting him at an even higher risk of discovery. He can no longer go outside, go into rooms with windows or even eat meals at the table with his family. However, these new neighbors also unexpectedly open the door to a new view of the world for Luke. Because he soon discovers by watching his neighbors' windows that he is not the only shadow child in town....
I loved this book and can't wait to share it with my kids in a few years. The writing is excellent, building tension at an appropriate age level and insinuating violence rather than making it blatant. At only 150 pages, it's a very fast read that is intended for young adults, but that adult readers of dystopian literature should greatly enjoy. There's a lot of food for thought contained in this slim volume. My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. I look forward to exploring the other four books of the series in the near future.
In another classic YA dystopian novel, Haddix does what she does best: creates a world that is similar to our current reality, but with a twist. In this case, Among the Hidden follows Luke, a third child that has spent his entire life in hiding. His parents broke a government population control act to have him, and to keep him safe, he has no identity. He doesn't go to school, and has never seen another human other than his immediate family members.
His farming family lives in constant struggle to survive, as the nation fights to overcome famine and food shortages that necessitated the population cap 15 years ago. Their meager existance is further threatened by a new government-mandated housing development that goes up next to Luke's family farm, putting him at an even higher risk of discovery. He can no longer go outside, go into rooms with windows or even eat meals at the table with his family. However, these new neighbors also unexpectedly open the door to a new view of the world for Luke. Because he soon discovers by watching his neighbors' windows that he is not the only shadow child in town....
I loved this book and can't wait to share it with my kids in a few years. The writing is excellent, building tension at an appropriate age level and insinuating violence rather than making it blatant. At only 150 pages, it's a very fast read that is intended for young adults, but that adult readers of dystopian literature should greatly enjoy. There's a lot of food for thought contained in this slim volume. My only regret is that I waited so long to read it. I look forward to exploring the other four books of the series in the near future.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
