Among the Hidden (Shadow Children #1) (original 1998; edition 2000)

This whole series so far has ranged from above 3-1/2 to below 4-1/2. One more to go. I plan on coming back and making some more extensive comments at some point after that (hopefully). Aspects of some middle grade literature that lead to expectations and predictability and limit the upper age for whom they're truly entertaining and enthralling are probably more noticeable in this series but if you don't have that problem, as I don't, they're great. I only notice things like when I'm finished and look back. During the story I just fell right in and get lost. On the other hand, there are aspects of this story that in my mind extend pretty far beyond the middle grade realm and well into the YA realm. There are some really dire circumstances and some very extreme and intense emotions and mental states portrayed. ( )

Grades 4-7--
As some of the younger Hunger Games fans look for other tales of dystopian societies, this story which introduces Luke and other "shadow children" will fit the bill and offer a lot of possibilities around conversations. An intriguing look at an America that's similar enough to our own to be pretty darned chilling. ( )

Ooh - I really liked this, but it made me so tense when I was reading it! There's a very claustrophobic feel to the story, particularly in the first half. I'm excited to read the rest in the series. ( )

What happens when you're the third child in a society that only allows two children? This book follows the life of one of these 'shadow children' in a society where the government has control of almost everything.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The tone was so bleak, yet the hopefulness of a child shone through the despair.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction. ( )

Great book, interesting look at the future ( )