![]() ![]() Luke asks Jen's father what happened and he replies, "They shot her. And not just in passing, but in quite a bit of detail. Jen, the 13 year old "hidden" girl that Luke (the main character) meets, is killed. However, there was one part I was not comfortable with at all. fantasy so I was OK with him reading most of it. My 7 year old has always done well with distinguishing fact vs. ![]() Overall, it was a great book that would be appropriate for 10ish up, depending on maturity level. I was cautious given the synopsis on the back cover along with info that people have said here, so I read it first to make sure. He checked it out from the school library and was SO excited to start reading it when he got home. My 1st grader heard about this series through a friend with older siblings. For those looking for an exciting Coming-of-Age novel to read, I highly recommend Among the Hidden.I like to write reviews with more detail to help those like myself who have young readers who read above reading level and may or may not be ready for various books. Still, I will mention that the manner used to describe the world is similar to George Orwell’s in his dystopian novel 1984.Īmong the Hidden is the first of seven novels in the Shadow Children series, and it is so good that it has me impatient to start the next book. As making those parallels between the story world and the one in which we live is a big part of the enjoyment that one derives from the novel, I won’t describe my own findings. Yet, as it reflects on the existence that Luke is forced into, it is accurate and allows the reader to really get to know him and his world (both inner and outer).Īlthough we perceive the world through a young boy’s eyes, one is guaranteed to compare the state of and beliefs of the society he lives in with several we know from history. The novel’s story as allegory perfectly fits the sentiments of a wide variety of modern-day minorities, societies and even individuals (such as myself as at the time of reading I can identify with Luke based on common experiences and observations), all of which makes it an intriguing read for older readers as well.ĭespite the short chapters, the pace at which the narrative develops is not a rapid one. This, and the fact that Among the Hidden is undoubtedly a Coming-of-Age novel with a 12-year-old protagonist, makes it suitable for kids and teens who will associate with the character. The novel’s chapters are concise and almost always end in a manner that makes one anxious to start the next one and find out what will happen – much like the endings in a television serial. I finally meet another third child, and she’s absolutely crazy.” But doing so will expose her and her newfound friend to huge danger…which really scares Luke: “ Just my luck, Luke thought. She reveals her secret plans to rally to overturn the Population Law that makes third children illegal. Jen is a member of the elite class, yet still a third child just like Luke. Risking a lot and possibly his life, he decides to sneak into the neighbouring house and, once there, he meets Jen Talbot – a young girl just like him…or not. One day, disobeying the strict instructions of his father, Luke sneaks a peek into a neighbouring house and, to his surprise, sees a face in one window - a child’s face, a face that’s not supposed to be there. This has forced the little boy to live a secluded life, never to leave his house, unlike his older brothers Mark and Matthew, who are free to live in the full sight of the whole world. He wasn’t supposed to exist.”īreaking the population law comes with some serious consequences, which is why Luke’s family makes sure their third son is not discovered, especially by the population police, who are always on the lookout for third children. “…He had never disobeyed the order to hide …Luke didn’t know if there was anyone else like him. Yes, Luke is a third child, and, as such, he has spent his entire life in hiding: ![]() Yet when the story opens, we meet Luke, a twelve-year-old boy with two older brothers. The government has enforced strict laws to limit the population by allowing families only to have two children – a third child can’t exist – at least not legally. ![]() I’m always looking for a good Coming-of-Age novel to read, and I recently discovered Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson. ![]()
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