Bibliographic Information:
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Among the Hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000.
Plot Description: Luke is one of the “shadow children,” born into a family that already has the maximum of two children allowed under an oppressive, futuristic government. Since his father sold the woods next to their home to developers, he can no longer go outside or even look out the window. One day he sneaks a glance at a neighboring house and discovers an unfamiliar face in the window, a young girl who he realizes is also one of the shadow children. Luke decides to risk everything and go meet her, discovering that she is organizing a demonstration of shadow children to stand up for their right to live. When this falls through and the unthinkable happens to her, her father devises a plan to rescue Luke from the same fate and sends him off with a new identity.
Quantitative Reading Level: Lexile 800; GL 5.9
Qualitative Reading Analysis: This novel has a simple, chronological storyline, though it is a highly unpredictable story. The language and sentence structure is also simple, making this a very accessible for reluctant readers. The dystopian theme of an intrusive central government might be new to middle school readers, but the suspenseful nature of the book make it very engaging.
Content Area: English Language Arts, Civics
Content Area Standard(s):
CCSS for Reading Literature, Grade 6: 2) Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments; Grade 7:3) Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
Curriculum Suggestions: This novel would pair well with other dystopian novels, and is another recommended high-low title for high school students.
Supporting Digital Content: Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJFAUHkD7PU
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