Picture this: it’s 2002, I am in the second grade, face shoved in a book at my desk, binge reading some new “chapter book” I found in the library while my teacher calls my name from across the room.
Ya’ll that was pretty much my reality from the time I learned how to read until…
well… it’s never changed.
There are certain books in my life that changed how I look at reading. We all remember our firsts right?
First book that made you cry? My Sister’s Keeper
First book that made you so angry that you put it down? Ya’ll know, Two by Two
First book that made you fall in love with a character? Tuck Everlasting
First book that made you truly inquisitive? The Westing Game
First book that made you think… that could be me. Among the Hidden
Among the Hidden I read for the first time when I was in the fourth grade. And then I proceeded to read the entire series, buy each book, read them again. And again and again.
This book follows the life of a child who, being the third child of his family, is “illegal.”
In order to control population, it was made illegal for families to have more than two children, and as we all know, surprises happen (Hello, here I am!!). So third children happened. And naturally, that secret group of kids HAS TO revolt against the government. Why would they not, right?
I remember reading this series and thinking, “What if this were real? What if I were illegal? Could I be like Luke and Jen? Could I go live with another family and pretend to be someone I am not? Could I fight against the government – every day risking my life?”
Obviously, my 12 year old brain said HECK NO!
Margaret Peterson Haddix paints a picture of a life that could be – and that is why I was enthralled by this series. It has so much potential to be real, and the idea of having to live in hiding or hide in plain sight even is terrifying.
Novels that focus on children with adult behaviors/actions are really interesting to me because I think it truly challenges the reader intellectually. It gives young readers a sense of empowerment to be able to place themselves in the characters shoes and think of what they would do if they were in that position. And it shows adult readers the reality of tough decisions that children are faced with.
No, this series isn’t reality for us in America – but it could be, and that’s the truth of it. It makes it a good talking point and it’s an interesting topic to explore with others.
Among the Hidden will have you rooting for a 12 year old as he attempts to overthrow the government… and if that isn’t enough to get your blood pumping, I don’t know what will!
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