Common Sense Media Review
A forbidden child hides from Population Police.
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Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 27 parent reviews
Parents say that while this book can engage older tweens with its interesting plot and themes of standing up for human rights, many believe it is not age-appropriate for younger children due to its dark and disturbing content. Some reviews highlight that the graphic scenes and ethical dilemmas presented may be too intense for kids under 12, prompting concerns about its suitability in school curriculums.
- graphic content
- age-appropriate
- ethical themes
- intense scenes
- dark themes
- engaging plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 79 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a compelling introduction to dystopian fiction with a well-crafted storyline and relatable characters, though it also contains intense themes and violence that may be upsetting for sensitive readers, particularly concerning the tragic fate of key characters. While some reviewers found it slow at the beginning and criticized the lack of character development, many appreciate the suspense and thought-provoking themes that encourage discussions about important social issues.
- well-written story
- intense themes
- tragic character deaths
- relatable characters
- suitable for young readers
- thought-provoking content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the not-so-distant future, overpopulation has led to draconian laws limiting families to no more than two children, and Population Police ruthlessly enforce the law. Thus Luke, his family's third child, has lived his entire life in hiding, and now that a new development is being built on the edge of his family's land, he can't even go into the yard anymore, nor can he go into rooms with windows, as the neighbors grow suspicious if the shades are pulled all the time.
This miserable, isolated existence is interrupted when he discovers another shadow child living in a nearby house, and risks his and his family's lives to meet her. But this other shadow, Jen, child of an official with the Population Police, is less passive about her situation -- she is organizing a protest march to try to free the shadow children.
Is It Any Good?
What makes this stand out among others in the dystopian genre (at least for children) is that it doesn't shy away from the bleakness or hopelessness of Luke's situation. It also doesn't avoid the logical consequences of the situation the author has set up. The first third of the book chronicles Luke's living situation, as his loving but terrified family increasingly constrict his world until he lives almost entirely alone in a windowless attic room, and readers can feel the arid claustrophobia of his life. But she does it in a way that is fascinating and suspenseful.
Along the way the author raises many issues -- none of them are simple -- which makes this a good choice for reading groups and book discussion groups. It's never clear, for instance, how real the overpopulation crisis really is, and both sides put out exaggerated propaganda that makes it hard to find the truth. There are no easy answers or pat endings here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about overpopulation and human rights.
What can be done about overpopulation?
What do you think should be done when the rights of the individual and society are in conflict?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cliff Nielson
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : June 26, 2005
- Number of pages : 153
- Last updated : January 29, 2026
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