The author doesn't specify the setting for Among the Hidden. Where do you think it takes place? When do you think it takes place?
In the book the population code came about because of a supposed food shortage. Can you think of any examples in our society where regulation this extreme might happen?
Why is access to information so important in the story?
Everyone needs information to make decisions, and the more information one has, the better one is able to think about all the consequences of one's choice. For this reason, the Government controls access to information and is able to control the decisions people will make. As Mr. Talbot puts it, "Totalitarian governments never like truth" (p. 135); by truth, he means more than one set of facts. For instance, the Garners are afraid for Luke because the Government gives it out that Thirds can be tracked in many different ways. The Government doesn't have that capability, but the Garners, without any other sources of information, don't know that. If the Garners had had more information, like Jen and her family do, they might have made a different decision and have let Luke use the computer or watch television. They also might not be so afraid of the Government.
Mr. Talbot explains that Luke has read propaganda from both sides -- but still doesn't have the whole picture (p. 134). Even the underground resistance is controlling information to convince people to agree with them. They emphasize some information and downplay or leave out other facts in order to make a point. But there are even more facts than the Government or the underground are publicizing. Luke and Jen's experiences themselves are information about the Population Law.
What does the story tell you about the power of fear? What constitutes courage or bravery in this book?
Where does Luke's bravery come from?
How does isolation affect the characters?
Mr. Talbot says, "People seem to work hardest when they are right on the edge of survival" (p. 136). What does the story say about the truth of that statement?
The last time Luke saw Jen, he told her, "It's people like you who change history. People like me - we just let things happen to us." What does this mean? Are you a person who makes things happen or are you a person who watches things happen?
How are the mothers in the story different from the fathers?
The characters show a wide variety of attitudes toward the laws. Jen says, "Government Leaders are the worst ones for breaking laws" (p. 72). Jen's mother conceived Jen with fertility tests; Jen went to a playgroup of Baron Third Children and some had pets (p. 102); Jen has junk food (p. 93). The Barons seem to regard laws as made to be broken. But almost the only examples of the Garners breaking the law are having Luke and eating the meat from the hogs, though eating meat is outlawed (p. 80). The Garners break some laws, but on the whole, they do not question them.
"Hope doesn't mean anything. Action's the only thing that counts." Jen (p. 113). Is Jen right?
Luke's family is terrified of the government. Why? What are some of the tactics the government employs to make ordinary families like his feel powerless?
Explore Luke's relationships with his brothers and his parents. How close are they? How trusting?
Does Luke have more in common with Jen than with his own family? Why or why not?
How are the "barons" different from families like Luke's?
The Internet made it possible for Jen and Luke to connect with other hidden children. It helped them build a community of peers. Do you use the Internet to connect with people who share interests with you?
Why did Jen organize the march on the president's house? Do you think she knew she was going to die? Was she being noble? Was she being foolish? Luke decides not to follow her. What would you have done?
Jen is a third child, but her stepfather is a member of the Population Police, the brutal organization devoted to discovering people like her and bringing them to a harsh justice. Discuss his character. Is he a hero, a villain, or both?
Why do you think Jen's stepfather risks his life to help Luke?
What would happen to your family if third children and beyond were outlawed? Would you have been born?
Among the Hidden is fiction, but in China, there is a law that strictly limits family size. Why might a country do this? Do you agree or disagree with the policy?
You are the chief propaganda officer of the Population Police. Create a bumper sticker or billboard reminding ordinary citizens that third children are against the law.
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