Among the Brave

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 2004. Among the Brave.

Trey is our narrator--a character first introduced in Among the Impostors--for our fifth installment in the Shadow Children series. As one of Luke’s closest friends, it is Trey’s responsibility to rescue his friends when they’re captured by the Population Police. But how can a boy who is afraid of practically everything--having been conditioned that way--save anyone? Can he find the courage and strength to help his friends as he knows they would help him if he were the one captured? Trey and Mark, Luke’s real brother, must team up to find him before it’s too late.

Among the Barons

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 2003. Among the Barons.

The fourth in the Shadow Children series, Luke (aka Lee Grant) returns as our narrator. Still at Hendricks School for Troubled Boys, Lee (also called ‘L’) is making great progress with the shadow children. He is trying to teach them how to cope in the world. He’s even coaxed some of them to take their first steps outside. But life still isn’t easy. Especially when Luke learns that Lee Grant’s real brother--Smits--is coming to the school. How will his ‘brother’ treat him? Is he there to threaten him? torture him? tease him? Luke doesn’t know what to expect...but he certainly doesn’t expect to be plunged into a dangerous new world where he’s forced to interact with barons and pass himself off as Lee to the elite society of the Grants. Danger is a constant threat when you’re a third...and change seems to be constant.

Among the Betrayed

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 2002. Among the Betrayed.

Among the Betrayed is the third in a seven book science fiction series entitled the Shadow Children. Our narrator this time is Nina, a character first introduced in Among the Impostors. Imprisoned by the population police, Nina fears the worst. As a third child her very existence is reason enough for execution upon her discovery. At first she doesn’t know why they’re still questioning her? Why not kill her and just get it over with? But Nina is given an opportunity to prove herself. Betray three young children by discovering their true identities or face execution along with those children she chooses to protect. Locked in a cave, barely provided with food and devoid of all water except for that that trickles down the cave’s wall...the children seem to be waiting for death. Nina is unsure of herself. As she grows closer to the children--they still won’t open up to her--she doesn’t know what she’ll do. Why are they giving her this test? And is there a way to pass it without anyone dying? Matthias, Percy, and Alia join the cast of shadow children introduced by Haddix in this unforgettably dangerous world.

Among the Impostors

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 2001. Among the Impostors.

Among the Impostors is the second in a seven book science fiction series entitled the Shadow Children. Once again our narrator is Luke. After making and losing his first friend, Jen, Luke’s life changes dramatically when Mr. Talbot hands him a ticket out of the shadows. With a fake i.d. Luke (aka Lee Grant) is off to a boarding school for troubled boys--Hendricks School for Boys. But how can a boy who’s never met anyone outside of his immediate family react in the real world meeting teachers, secretaries, nurses, students without rousing suspicion? Can he really blend in like Mr. Talbot told him to? How do you know what’s normal when you’ve never been exposed to anyone else? Life at school isn’t easy, in fact he’s tormented by a class bully or two, but he thinks he’s free from the danger of discovery. But is he really? Just who should he trust with his real identity? Could telling some secrets cost him his life?

Among the Hidden

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 1998. AMONG THE HIDDEN.

Among the Hidden is the first in a seven book science fiction series entitled the Shadow Children. Luke is a third child. That alone sets him apart. Makes his very existence a threat to the status quo. In a world where the Population Police have not only ruled that each family is only allowed two children...but where they enforce the law with deadly force, Luke’s existence puts his whole family at risk. Before his twelfth birthday party, Luke’s life was restricted but not unbearable. For a child who’s never known the joy of going shopping, going to school, having friends outside his immediate family, he cannot miss these things. But when his family’s farm’s neighboring land (woods, farmlands, etc) becomes prime real estate development...then his world does change. Suddenly, he’s not allowed outside even in the backyard. No longer can he run and play in the yard. To help in the garden. He can’t even be allowed near any windows--whether the blinds are drawn or not--for fear someone might see his shadow. Restricted almost exclusively to the attic, Luke’s life seems one of lonely despair. But when he sees another face in the window of a neighbor’s house--one who shouldn't be there because she has two older brothers--he begins to realize that he might not be alone after all. He then has to weigh the risks. Is it worth finding a friend if it jeopardizes his life in hiding? What if he’s caught? What if they’re both caught? Is it better to be safe and hidden? Or is there another way to live--a better way to live?