Last updated: July 27, 2026
If you’re looking for Among the Hidden teaching ideas, Margaret Peterson Haddix’s gripping dystopian novel is a fantastic choice for exploring themes of freedom, courage, identity, and government control. Students are immediately drawn into Luke Garner’s world — a future society where third children are illegal and must live their entire lives in hiding. This post includes novel study samples and a compare‑and‑contrast organizer to support your unit.
⭐ About the Book
Among the Hidden introduces readers to twelve‑year‑old Luke Garner, an illegal third child living in a future society controlled by the Population Police. Because families are allowed only two children, Luke has spent his entire life hidden inside his family’s farmhouse. At the start of the novel, Luke enjoys his last moments outdoors before the government buys the woods behind his home to build luxury houses. With neighbors now living dangerously close, Luke must remain inside permanently.
Luke spends his days watching the new neighborhood from the attic vents until he spots a face in one of the windows after the family has already left the house. This discovery leads him to Jen Talbot, another hidden third child. Jen is bold, outspoken, and determined to fight back against the government. She challenges Luke’s fear and isolation, urging him to believe he deserves freedom and a real life.
Jen introduces Luke to the idea of resistance and reveals her plan for a massive rally to demand rights for third children. Luke must decide whether to remain hidden or take risks that could change everything. The novel explores themes of bravery, identity, and the moral cost of oppressive laws. Students are captivated by the suspense, the emotional stakes, and the powerful questions the story raises about justice and freedom.
⭐ Book Details
Among the Hidden Activities
Book Unit Samples
You will find the following in this novel study sample:
- Vocabulary Practice for Chapters 1-2
- Comprehension Questions for Chapters 1-2
- Constructed Response Question – Course of Action
Teaching Idea – Writing Prompts
Below are five great writing prompts to use with Among the Hidden. If you would like these in pdf format to use with your students, you can get them by clicking the button.
What is it like to be a shadow child?
Imagine you are a third child. What would your life be like? Would your family be more like Jen’s who doesn’t believe the government has the power to monitor citizens’ lives through the telephone, television, or computer? Does your home have technology? If so, what types? Would your family be more like Luke’s who completely believes the government has the power to practically read the minds of its citizens? Where would you spend your days? Would you hide in an attic room the way Luke does, or would you have the freedom to move around the house? How would you spend your time? Would you read quietly or play computer games?
What are the pros and cons of having a third child law?
Imagine your country is facing a major population explosion. People are starving. This could be because the food is not distributed correctly or simply not available. You are on a panel of government officials having to make some tough decisions about whether or not a third family law should go into effect. Make a T-chart and list the pros and cons of having a third child law. You may wish to read up on the laws that China created to get some background information for your T-chart. Here are some good sites:
- 5 Things to Know about China’s 1-Child Policy from CBC News
What is the city like?
Haddix tells the reader that Among the Hidden is set in the future. When you read about Luke’s and Jen’s lives, no mention of any advanced technology is mentioned. Could their society be like The Hunger Games where advanced technology is owned by a few wealthy citizens living in the capital city? Write a description of the advancements that the futuristic society has created.
What is a totalitarian government?
Luke lives under a totalitarian government. His parents worry about having enough money to pay the bills especially after the government tells his family they must sell their hogs. Jen says the government wants everyone to be vegetarian. Just how much control does a totalitarian government have? Can they dictate what people eat? Research what a totalitarian government can do and how they keep their citizens from disobeying the strict rules. You may wish to begin with Hitler’s Nazi Government.
What types of propaganda could the government use to keep its citizens under control?
Research each of these types of propaganda techniques.
- bandwagon
- loaded terms
- testimonial
- name-calling
Decide which would be the most successful for a totalitarian government to use to control its citizens.
Create one of the following:
BILLBOARD (picture and words) Billboards must be read by drivers as they are quickly driving down the highway. Your drawing must be large and simple. Your words must be quickly read.
MAGAZINE LAYOUT (picture and words) A magazine illustration uses details. Your writing may be a paragraph.
RADIO SPOT (words only) You will need to persuade your listeners with vivid descriptions, slogans, or a creative story.
TELEVISION NEWSCAST (story map – series of at least 4 pictures with words for each) You will draw a series of pictures with words depicting what the actors will be saying under each drawing.
If you missed the link above for the writing prompts in pdf format, here it is again.
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Among the Hidden Novel Study includes vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, constructed response writing, and skill practice.
