In the aftermath of a crisis that threatens the safety of all shadow children -- illegal third-borns in a society that allows only two children per family -- Trey's friends expect him to take charge -- a function he doesn't want or think he can do.

Trey's new role leads him to travel with Luke Garner's brother, Mark, to Population Police headquarters. There he impersonates an officer to try to rescue Luke, who has been taken prisoner. The nonstop adventure puts all three boys in danger and risks exposing the underground movement to help all shadow children.

In this, the fifth book in the Shadow Children series, Margaret Peterson Haddix returns to the futuristic setting and compelling characters she created in Among the Hidden. With an adrenaline-fueled plot and surprising twists, Haddix has again crafted a story that is suspenseful until the last page.

Among the Brave (Shadow Children Series #5)

ANNOTATION

In a society that allows families to have only two children, a group of third-borns tries to save themselves and others like them.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the aftermath of a crisis that threatens the safety of all shadow children — illegal third-borns in a society that allows only two children per family — Trey's friends expect him to take charge — a function he doesn't want or think he can do.

Trey's new role leads him to travel with Luke Garner's brother, Mark, to Population Police headquarters. There he impersonates an officer to try to rescue Luke, who has been taken prisoner. The nonstop adventure puts all three boys in danger and risks exposing the underground movement to help all shadow children.

In this, the fifth book in the Shadow Children series, Margaret Peterson Haddix returns to the futuristic setting and compelling characters she created in Among the Hidden. With an adrenaline-fueled plot and surprising twists, Haddix has again crafted a story that is suspenseful until the last page.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Fifth in the Shadow Children series, which began with Among the Hidden, Among the Brave by Margaret Peterson Haddix centers on third child Trey, who must rescue Mark and Luke Garner from the Population Police. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Kathryn Erskine

In a futuristic society that prohibits more than two children per family, 13-year-old Trey is forced to be a hero. As a third-born child, he has been in hiding all his life. Simply being outdoors is frightening. Now he must not only venture outside, but also find his friends and, somehow, try to rescue them. He reluctantly joins forces with his friend Luke's brash brother, and must push himself even more when making alliances with people who may—or may not—be resistance members. In this fifth book of the "Shadow Children" series, which has previously centered on the character, Luke, readers are treated to viewing this peculiar society from Trey's perspective. The tension is gripping and chapters end on cliff-hangers that will encourage even reluctant readers to keep reading. Readers will feel Trey's intense fear but cheer him on as he takes small steps that lead him to bravery. Haddix's characters are well developed and her plot well drawn. Though dark fantasy, and perhaps too frightening for children at the younger end of the recommended age group, there is a message of hope at the end. And the promise of another installment in the series. 2004, Simon & Schuster, Ages 9 to 12.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This fifth book about third-born children who must go into hiding to avoid elimination picks up where Among the Barons (S & S, 2003) ended. The ruthless head of the Population Police has taken over the government, and executions are common. Trey has gone to Mr. Talbot's home seeking help to rescue Luke and his other third-born friends just as the man is taken away in handcuffs. Desperate, he teams up with Luke's older, more reckless brother, Mark, to try to find the others. Mark is caught and Trey enlists in the Population Police, his only hope of freeing him. To escape, the boys make a deal with a resistance member disguised as a guard to rescue a prisoner from another torture camp. The prisoner turns out to be none other than Mr. Talbot, who headed the resistance movement. Mark and Trey are able to rescue their friends, but are unable to help the guard who helped them. The adults are ready to give up but the third-born children vow to keep up the fight. Even though elements of the plot seem timeworn and not all of it is plausible, this book provides a fast and wild ride that will appeal to reluctant readers. Once again, Haddix makes real how hard ordinary and not-so-ordinary actions would be for kids who've spent most of their lives hidden away. Although this installment could be read on its own, this series works best when read in sequence.-Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.