Among the Hidden

How strange to be listening to this book as the world announces that the 7^th billion human now lives on the planet.  Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix tells the futuristic tale of a world that only allows parents to have two children, yet in this particular neighborhood there are at least 2 “third children,” or shadow children.  This is the first of a series. I can’t imagine the rest being as good as the first.  Luke Garner is raised on his parent’s farm, though both parents work outside the home.  Due to the governmental regulations Luke is not allowed to be seen by anyone, or else he would be turned over to the authorities.  At the age of 12, Luke has become even more isolated because the government built homes close to his and he can no longer risk going outside.  Luke is becoming tired of the hiding game and notices the next door neighbor may also have a hidden child.  After examining the movement in the neighbor’s house, he ventures over to investigate and what does he find… another third child!  Jennifer Talbot, from the “baron class” is in the home working on her computer to communicate with other thirds and living the kind of life Luke could only imagine.  While Luke is completely scared and afraid of life outside the home, Jennifer shares her experience where her father, a government agent himself, has acquired a fake ID so she can be taken to the city.  Luke and Jen create a close bond over a short period of time.  Jen is working with other thirds to meet face on with the government to publically challenge the law.  Jen tries to get Luke to go, but he can’t because of his fear.  What ensues next would ruin the end of this book if I told you, but it is worth the read.  Could the world get like this with overcrowding?  Food rationing, no pets in our society, no more fast food, no meat?  It is a very quick read, I listened to it and it was only 8 hours long!!  Great book for young adults, but I think us adults would get into it too.  Not sure how I feel about a part two, been burned before!  Read it.