This is one of the best series for upper elementary aged kids. Each book in the series is full of suspense that causes the kids not to be able to put the book down. You would really want to start with book 1 and read them in order as so much builds upon each other. Margaret Peterson Haddix is excellent at presenting topics and situations that really get kids thinking. Her books are well written and provide an excellent springboard for classroom or small group discussions not just about the book but the subject matter. With this book as with the whole series, the topic was population control. This book also deals once again with trust. Luke has been living under the identity of Lee and attends school. His fake 'brother', Smits now joins him. Smits is totally opposite of Luke and Luke is unsure of Smits ability to keep quiet. The danger of being found out is still very much there for Luke. To me this (along with her other books) is a must have book for all classroom libraries.

Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson Haddix, the fourth book in the shadow children series, is a solid book. In my opinion, this is my least favorite book in the series so far. Mainly because the plot doesn't seem to be fully developed. There are definitely more questions raised than questions answered, and sometimes, details in the plot contradict each other, which were a bit confusing. However, aside from the inconsistencies in the plot, the book is good. It definitely is not a bad book, but it could use some improvement. Overall, this book is four out of five stars.

Personal ResponseThis was one of the best books I have read in awhile. The suspense of what could have happened to Luke if he made a wrong move kept me reading. I think if Luke had not gotten to know Smits like he did, Smits would have turned him in. He would have then been locked in prison by the Population Police. PlotLuke spends most of his time living and Hendricks School for Boys. He lives under the name of Lee Grant, who comes from a very rich family. When he finds out that Smits, Lee's younger brother was coming to the school, he was scared for his life. When he arrived at school, he had a bodyguard with him. His name was Oscar. Luke had to play dumb to try and not let Smits find out he really was not Lee Grant. Luke survives all of that until the Grants want both of their sons to come back home. Luke has never seen a house like the Grants owned, he had always been locked inside his house hiding. After a couple of nights living with the Grants they tell him that they know he is not actually Lee and that their son had died. Afraid that Smits will spill the truth about Luke they wanted to fake his death at a party. While at the party, the parents got hit by flying chandeliers and died. That left Luke to take of Smits. That is when Luke decides to go back to his own house and introduce Smits to his family. Luke and Smits stay a night with his family. Luke then tells Smits he is going to live with his parents while Luke tries to accomplish his mission by freeing all third children.CharacterizationLuke overcame many obstacles at Hendricks School for Boys. He had to deal with Smits, Lees actual younger brother. On top of that Luke was forced to deal with Oscar, Smits bodyguard. Luke had no idea what they came to the school for, so he had to be careful what he said around them. I think Luke handled it all very well. He then became very close with Smits and they shared information with each other. Impact of SettingThe first part of the story takes place at a school. Luke is under a different identity trying to avoid getting caught by the Population Police. This is when families in the late 1900s were only allowed to have two children in different parts of the world. Then Luke goes and lives with the Barons. They are one of the richest families in the country. Living there is way different for Luke, he is used to be a country kid. The way they dressed really bothers Luke because he always has to wear a suit. In the end it is a good thing he lives with the Barons, that allows him and Smits to become close. Thematic ConnectionI think a very big theme in this story was trust. Luke had to figure out if Oscar was telling him the truth or if Smits was. In the end Luke waited long enough for each of their characters to show and trusted Smits. If he would had trusted Oscar, that might of had him in some big trouble. Oscar would have probably turned him into the population police. RecommendationI would have to recommend this book to middle school through high school boys. I think they would understand the storyline the best and be able to stay focused throughout. It would also be a good book for someone who likes suspense. Luke always had to be on his toes when he was around Oscar.

Probably the slowest book in the series, don't see where it fit in fully.

Luke is still under the name of Lee Grant, the son of the richest family in the county. The book starts when the grants send their son Smits to the same school as Luck. Smits is a stuck up brat and is crule to everyone but Luke. His behavior suprizes every one. Then the grant ask Luke (Lee) and smits to come back home after the scholl they were in had a fire. When there the Grants ask Luke to fake his death and to go back into hiding as a third child. Then Luck meet Oscar who is woking against the government. Oscar comes up witha plan to keep Luke out of hiding, but the plan involves putting Smits into hiding. Luck has to deside weather it will be he or Smits that will be forced into hiding. In the end both plans fail and Oscar ends up killing Mr. and Ms. Grant. Luck takes the orfined Smits to his old home and then leaves to meat with his other friends.