 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Among the Hidden: Shadow Children, Book 1
- By Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
A forbidden child hides from Population Police.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that some kids may be disturbed by the death of a major character. Otherwise there's not much to be concerned about here.
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 AMONG THE HIDDEN: SHADOW CHILDREN, BOOK 1 stand out among others in the dystopian genre (at least for children) is that author Margaret Haddix does not shy away from the bleakness or hopelessness of Luke's situation, nor from the logical consequences of the situation she 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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Teen, 13 years old
August 24, 2009
AGE
Great book for young'n's
Typical writing-ethic style, but the plot is absolutely grand. One part (I was surprised) very much disturbed me so that's why I gave the "Violence" concern bomb. This book'll have you reading the entire series, as I am trying to complete now.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
September 15, 2009
AGE
Perfect! Absolutley and Positivly Perfect!
This is the best book I have EVER read!
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
December 12, 2008
AGE
A Strangely Realistic Read
It's sci-fi, but realistic. It's horrifying yet believable.
It's a society where everything is so right...so wrong.
It's a lake, pristine on the surface, yet hopelessy messed up beneath the surface.
It's a rare series where you probably should read all 7 (or 8?) books.
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Parent of 6 and 11 year old
May 14, 2009
AGE
Not age appropriate for 9 yrs -- maybe 14?
Not sure how this rated OK for 9 yr olds, but the scene when kids are killed and they have to mop up the blood before tourists come through the White House is disturbing. NOT for 9 yr olds - maybe 14+?
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
A great read aloud!
I read aloud this book every year to my fifth graders. It is flawless and thought provoking. They love it!
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Kid, 10 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Moving yet Gripping Story!
The book is full of cliff hangers and secrets that are no unlocked until the end! The story of a secret friendship and illegal kids! YOU MUST READ IT! (A Series)
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Kid, 11 years old
August 4, 2009
AGE
Aweosme Book!
Amazing! I love the book even though I'm a third child! ;) It's a great story and I think that the courage that some of the characters have is a great thing to read about! To any good readers that want something fun and intresting to read, READ THIS!
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Kid, 10 years old
October 22, 2009
AGE
i love it
i love it its a great book i just start reading this book i thik of yhis book is it intresting and i give it a 5/5
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
July 31, 2009
AGE
super good book
this book is really good i have read all for in the seris and loved them all. This book is actually really educational and overall great.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Really cool, a bit sad.
I admit the ending was kinda sad. But it had to happen to produce the sequels, which are all awesome. This is my favorite book right now, and I read it over a year ago.
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| Author: | Margaret Peterson Haddix |
| Illustrator: | Cliff Nielson |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | June 26, 2005 |
| Number of pages: | 153 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 - 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 - 9 |
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