Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 1998. Among the Hidden. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks. ISBN: 0-689-81700-2.
Luke and Jen are two of the "shadow children" - illegal children that must remain hidden from the government by their families. Luke's farming family tries to convince him that sleeping in the attic, leaving the blinds closed on hot summer days, and never going to school are really what's best for him. He leads a life of fear - fear that someone in the new housing development will discover and report him to the Population Police. Jen, on the other hand, goes shopping with her mother, cooks during the day, eats prohibited junk foods, and chats on the computer with other shadow children. When they finally meet - their disparate upbringings shock each other. Jen believes that if all shadow children unite in protest, the government will be forced to change it's policy. Luke is not so sure. With dreams beyond themselves, Jen and Luke forge ahead toward tragically tainted destinies in a climax that wrenches the heart. Readers will come a way with a deeper understanding of human rights, freedom and the costs they bear. Haddix has produced a novel well worth its 153 pages of raw, honest 1st person narration and ethical insights.
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