Among the Hidden is the first book in the Shadow Children Series. It was written by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This book deserves a spot on everyone’s Kindle or book shelf, it is the first book I have ever read in one day.
In terms of readability, many should find it engaging right from the start. It is a slim novel, packing a Taekwondo kick to a head! What a wonderful book, and here’s why:
This was the first novel I had ever read that was about hiding; the author does a wonderful job engaging the reader’s senses, connecting us the dystopian world, and makes hiding seem like garlic fingers are running down a spine. Each chapter ends with an “o crap” moment, prompting the reader to continue.
The protagonists character is developed, and his hopelessness is somewhat frustrating. For me, the suspense was somewhat dialed back when the main character suffered internal conflicts about making certain decisions. At certain points, his internal conflict lost its “spice, ” and seemed to stall the progression of the plot. Despite this setback, Among the Hidden is a literary nugget!
With my English educator hat on, this book is well flecked with literature that could be analyzed within a classroom. Loneliness, oppression, poverty, knowledge, and relationships are all themes that stem from this text. Many of these themes relate to a middle school students. Don’t get me wrong, this book deserves a place with an adult readership as well.
Haddix should be commended for her ability to write unexpected turns. It was difficult to predict what was coming next in this book, which is what grabbed my throat to keep me reading. I was lost in wonderment throughout the entire process of chewing on the literary nugget.
Here’s another fact: I will be using this book to teach my 7th grade English class!
9/10
+ Easy read, still thought provoking, possible to read it in a single day.
-Protoganist’s internal conflict is overbearing at times, which ultimately stalls the progression of the plot.
+Strong piece of literature that could be annualized in a middle school classroom.
+Chapters are not boring! Each one ends with a punch line that prompts further reading
+First book I have ever read in a single day, hats off to Haddix
+Unexpected plot turns that make this text a thrilling ride!
Care to read a review of the second book in the Shadow Children series? Read the Among the Imposters book review here.
