Among the Hidden

Among the Hidden is a novel around 150 pages long, written by Margaret Peterson Haddix. In it is a story following the life of 12 year old Luke. It takes place in future America, where there is a law against 3 children due to food shortages. Luke is the 3rd child of his family. He has never been to school, nor made a single friend. He isn't allowed to go outside anymore since where they once lived in a dense forest, they were forced to sell their land by the Government. Now, a neighborhood for Barons, the rich political figures in the land, is forcing Luke inside, never to see the sun again. Luke, who once understood the reasons for having to stay hidden, is furious. He can get a false ID that says he is a different person, but that would mean never seeing his family again, so he just stays hidden, fuming at his misfortunes. Then he meets Jen, another 3rd child, who has moved into the neighborhood and who has some strong ideas about how life for 3rd children is. She is organizing a ralley, a protest for the unfairness of life for 3rd children. She wants Luke to join her, to take a stand for freedom. But Luke doesn't think that all who join will stay alive...not if the Government is as evil as they say.