Characters
Who is the main character in Among the Hidden?
Luke Garner
Why can’t Luke go to school?
He’s a third child and must stay hidden.
Where does the story take place?
In a rural farming area where forests are being replaced by new luxury homes.
What is one major theme of the novel?
Freedom vs. control (or courage, identity, government power)
What does “pristine” mean?
Completely clean, pure, or untouched.
What law makes Luke’s existence illegal?
The Population Law / Third Child Law
What does Luke see in the window of the new houses that changes everything?
He sees a face of another hidden child (Jen).
Why did the government make the Population Law?
Because of food shortages and limited resources
What type of conflict best describes Luke’s situation?
Man vs. Society
What does it mean if someone is “competent”?
They are capable or skilled at doing something well.
Who is Luke’s new friend that also lives in hiding?
Jen Talbot
What does Luke have to do before visiting Jen’s house for the first time?
Sneak out without being seen — time it carefully and hide if cars come.
What is forbidden for third children to have or do?
Attend school, be seen in public, have an identity card, etc.
How does Luke change from the beginning to the end of the novel?
He goes from being scared and hidden to brave and willing to take risks for freedom.
What does it mean to have a “flippant” attitude?
Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.
How does Jen plan to fight the Population Law?
By organizing a rally/protest at the president's house
What is the password Jen uses to enter the chat room for shadow children?
free
What are the “Barons”?
The rich, powerful people who live in fancy houses and benefit from the government.
What message does Margaret Peterson Haddix send about government control?
That too much control can take away individual rights and freedom.
If someone is “indifferent,” how do they act?
They don’t care or show concern either way.
What happens to Jen at the end of the book?
She is killed during the rally when the Population Police open fire.
What identity does Luke take on at the end of the novel and who helps him?
Lee Grant, a boy who recently died in a skiing accident. Jen's father, with the help of a secret society, provides Luke with this new identity and a fake ID.
How does the change in Luke’s surroundings, from living on a secluded farm to visiting the Barons’ neighborhood, help him understand more about the world he lives in?
Seeing the Barons’ neighborhood shows Luke that not everyone lives under the same rules or struggles. It opens his eyes to how unfair and divided the world is and makes him realize how much the government hides from ordinary people.
How do Jen and Luke represent two different ways to fight injustice?
Jen chooses open protest; Luke chooses quiet resistance and survival.
What does “fatigue” mean, and how might Luke experience it during the story?
Extreme tiredness or exhaustion- Luke feels fatigue from hiding all day, worrying constantly, and being trapped indoors.