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Cover of Among the Hidden

Age rating and parents' guide:Among the Hidden

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Ages 12–14

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix is best for children aged 12–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Authoritarian danger.

In a strict society where families are forbidden from having more than two children, twelve-year-old Luke lives as a shadow child, hidden in an attic room. His isolated world shifts when he glimpses another hidden child in a neighbouring house. Reaching out puts his life on the line, forcing him to choose between total safety and the freedom to truly live. Tense and fast-paced, this dystopian story hooks young readers with its gripping moral dilemmas and intense atmosphere of secrecy.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Moderate
Scary moments
Moderate
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Authoritarian danger

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the Shadow Children series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Some emotionally heavy moments
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Animals

Reading mood

  • Suspenseful

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On these book lists

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Among the Hidden for?
Among the Hidden suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is Among the Hidden appropriate for a 12 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Authoritarian danger.
Q: Is Among the Hidden part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Shadow Children series. If your child enjoys it, the other Shadow Children books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Among the Hidden?
Try Warriors, Pax and Animal Farm. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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