1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 1998. AMONG THE HIDDEN. New York, NY. Aladdin Fiction. ISBN: 0689824750
2. SUMMARY:
Luke Gardner is the third child in a totalitarian society where families are limited to two children. Luke is kept hidden inside the house to maintain his anonymity in this strict society. As new housing developments begin to build closer and closer to what was once Luke’s rural home, Luke is not allowed to venture outside or even peer out the windows in fear that the police in charge of population control will discover him. Luke doesn’t always adhere to his families rules and while gazing out a window in their absence he makes a discovery all his own. Another “hidden” child, like himself is living next door.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Haddix first book in her series known as the shadow children, Among the Hidden, develops for the reader a visualization of a society very similar to societies in reality. People of political influence and power have developed strict and sometimes harsh rules to protect them from themselves. To control population and the use of limited resources such as food and energy sources, population is controlled by only allowing the birth of two children to each couple. Along with other limitations, like not buying what they want, and living where they choose, their lives seem somewhat full and happy. Luke, the third child in his family, must remain hidden so that the Population Police do not spot him and take him away from his family. Luke eventually realizes that if he remains hidden he will never have a quality of life or be free. He also realizes that he may have to pay for that freedom by death.
Haddix has developed a quick action and fast paced novel with relatable, intelligent characters. Luke, even though he is locked up, is smart enough to be aware that this way of life is not morally right. Jen, the hidden girl next door, gives Luke books and articles that educate him on both sides of the population argument. He learns about one sided bias and how groups of people can band together to attempt to change policies established by the government. Through his unconventional education, Luke develops his own opinions about the social class known as Barons. The Barons often break rules and show off because their status makes them ‘untouchable”, and allows them to break the rules that others must follow.
As the novel concludes Jen rallies to confront the government of the social injustice and informs them of the “hidden” children’s existence. This act of bravery is paid for with her life. Luke sees what happens to Jen and decides on another course to change the rules. “Because he wasn’t a Baron and didn’t feel like the world owed him anything, he could be more patient, more captious, and more practical. Maybe he could succeed where Jen failed”. Luke thinks to himself and plans an alternative method to battle the injustice. Susan Roberts for School Library Journal writes, “the loss of free will is the fundamental theme of an exciting and compelling story of one young person defying authority and the odds to make a difference”. Luke will continue on his struggle and the continuation is in the second book of the series, Among the Imposters.
Among the Hidden is an excellent book for developing the concepts of bias and the role government plays in our lives, and what ordinary citizens can do to challenge government, in classroom discussions. I think this book would also be a great read about the consequences of getting caught up in the moment and how a calm, cool head can get results, comparing and contrasting Jen and Luke’s actions. Media also plays a part and would be another learning tool when discussing bias and teaching students that what is written or viewed may not always be the truth.
4. AWARDS/REVIEWS
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: 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."
KIRKUS review: “Haddix offers much for discussion here, by presenting a world not too different from America right now.”
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers,
ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults,
California Young Reader Medal
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award (MN)
Nevada Young Readers' Award
5. CONNECTIONS
Haddix official website: http://www.haddixbooks.com/home.html
Research about current population laws in China, How are the laws enforced? How successful have they been? Are these laws popular or unpopular among the people?
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