Summary
Among the Hidden, published in 1998, is the first book in Margaret Peterson Haddix's acclaimed Shadow Children series. This young adult dystopian novel explores a world where families are limited to two children due to food shortages and overpopulation. The story follows Luke Garner, a 12-year-old “shadow child” who must remain hidden to survive in a society where his very existence is illegal. The novel’s thought-provoking themes and engaging narrative have made it a popular choice in middle school curricula across the United States. Named one of the American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults in 1998, Among the Hidden was recognized as one of the 10 most taught books in American middle schools in 2013, highlighting its enduring impact on young readers.
Plot
In a dystopian future where families are limited to two children due to overpopulation, 12-year-old Luke Garner lives in hiding as an illegal third child. When a new housing development replaces the woods near his family's farm, Luke is confined indoors to avoid detection by the Population Police. One day, he spots another child's face in a window of a house he knows already has two children.
Luke eventually meets Jen Talbot, a forbidden third child like himself. Jen introduces Luke to an online chatroom for third children, where they call themselves “shadow children.” The two form a friendship, with Luke secretly visiting Jen's house. Jen strongly opposes the government's population control policies and tries to convince Luke that they are wrong.
Jen informs Luke about a planned rally to protest the population laws. Luke, fearing the consequences, refuses to participate. The night before the rally, Jen visits Luke to say goodbye. The next day, Luke anxiously waits for news about the rally, but hears nothing. When he sneaks into Jen's house to investigate, he encounters Jen's father, Mr. Talbot, who reveals that Jen and 40 other children were killed during the rally.
As the Population Police close in, having monitored the Shadow Children's chatroom, Mr. Talbot helps Luke escape by providing him with a false identity. Luke assumes the name Lee Grant, supposedly a boy who died in a skiing accident, and prepares to start a new life at a boarding school, leaving behind his family and his life in hiding.
Themes
Oppression and government control
Identity and self-discovery
Courage and risk-taking
Family loyalty versus personal freedom
Social inequality and injustice
Friendship in adversity
Moral dilemmas and ethical choices
Setting
Among the Hidden is set in a dystopian near-future United States, where overpopulation and food shortages have led to draconian population control measures. The government has enacted strict laws limiting families to only two children, with severe penalties for those who violate this policy. This creates a society where “shadow children” like Luke Garner must live in constant fear and isolation.
The story primarily takes place in a rural area, focusing on the Garner family farm and the surrounding countryside. As the novel progresses, the setting expands to include a new housing development built in the nearby woods, symbolizing the encroachment of a more strictly controlled society on the relatively secluded life Luke has known. This shift in the landscape forces Luke to adapt to an even more restrictive existence, confined entirely indoors.
While specific locations are not named, the rural setting plays a crucial role in the narrative. The contrast between the open farmland and the claustrophobic interiors where Luke must hide highlights the loss of freedom experienced by shadow children. The addition of the new housing development, occupied by wealthy and politically connected families, further emphasizes the social and economic disparities in this dystopian world.
Characters
Luke Garner: The 12-year-old protagonist. A third child, Luke has spent his entire life hiding from the Population Police. He is curious, cautious, and longs for connection with others. As he befriends Jen, Luke begins to question the government's policies and his place in society.
Jen Talbot: A fellow third child who befriends Luke. Jen is bold, outspoken, and passionate about fighting for the rights of shadow children. She organizes a rally against the government, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences.
Mr. Talbot: Jen's father, who works for the Population Police. He helps Luke escape after Jen's death, showing compassion despite his position. Mr. Talbot provides Luke with a new identity, enabling him to start a new life.
Luke's parents: Farmers who have hidden Luke his entire life. While protective and loving, they are also fearful of the consequences of having a third child.
Matthew and Mark Garner: Luke's older brothers. They are aware of Luke's existence but must keep it a secret from the outside world.
Population Police: The government agency responsible for enforcing the two-child policy. They represent the oppressive regime that threatens Luke's existence.
Quick facts
Among the Hidden is the debut novel in Margaret Peterson Haddix's seven-book Shadow Children series.
Published in 1998, the novel is set in a dystopian future where families are limited to two children.
The main character, Luke, is an illegal “third child” who must stay hidden to protect his family.
Luke is 12 years old and has never been to school or had any friends before the story begins.
In 2013, Among the Hidden was one of the 10 most taught texts in US middle schools.
Among the Hidden explores themes of government control, overpopulation, and individual freedom.
The story was partially inspired by China's one-child policy.
The book ends with Luke assuming a new identity to attend a boarding school.
About the Author
Margaret Peterson Haddix (1964-) is an acclaimed and prolific American author of young adult and middle-grade fiction. Making her publishing debut in 1995 with Running Out of Time, she has written more than 40 books for children and teenagers, including popular series like Shadow Children and The Missing.
Growing up on a farm in Ohio, Haddix developed a passion for reading and writing from an early age. She pursued her love for literature at Miami University, earning degrees in English and history. Haddix began her career in journalism, working as a newspaper copy editor and reporter, before finding her true calling as a fiction writer. Her novels often explore thought-provoking themes such as social justice, identity, and the consequences of societal choices, resonating with readers of all ages. Her books have achieved New York Times bestseller status and received recognition from the American Library Association, among other accolades. Her most recent standalone novel, The Summer of Broken Things, was published in 2018.
