Among the Hidden Series
Among the Impostors
on Goodreads (32,189)
What’s inside...
In a future where the law limits a family to only two children, third-born Luke has been in hiding for the entire twelve years of his life, until he enters boarding school under an assumed name and is forced to face his fears.
Age
9-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Luke's feelings of isolation and fear affect his decisions throughout the story? What would you do in his situation?
What role does trust play in Luke's interactions with other characters? Can you think of a time when trust was important in your life?
Why do you think the author chose a society where families are limited to two children? How does this affect the characters and the overall story?
How do the characters in the book defy or comply with the rules set by their society? What consequences do they face for their actions?
What did you learn about the importance of identity and belonging from Luke’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Luke’s position and discussing different ways to handle challenging situations.
Highlight the concept of trust by discussing real-life scenarios where trust is essential, and relate it back to the story’s events.
Discuss the implications of the government’s rules in the book and encourage your child to think about how rules and laws affect people differently.
Challenge your child to think critically by discussing the choices the characters make and whether they agree with them.
Use examples from the book to have a broader conversation about identity and what makes us who we are.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of identity and self-worth
Explanation: The protagonist, Luke, struggles with his identity in a society where being a third child is illegal. Throughout the book, he learns to value his own existence and rights.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and stand up for themselves, understanding that everyone has the right to a place in the world.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience in challenging times
Explanation: Luke shows immense courage by stepping out of hiding and challenging the oppressive laws of his society. His journey from fear to empowerment is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears, whether it be speaking in front of the class or standing up to a bully. It highlights the strength found in perseverance and bravery.
Example Lesson: The impact of societal rules and regulations
Explanation: The book portrays how laws can affect individuals and shape societies, seen through the Population Law’s effects on Luke’s life and others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of understanding and questioning the rules and norms in their community, promoting an early interest in civic education and personal responsibility.
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking and skepticism
Explanation: Luke learns not to take everything at face value, especially as he navigates a world filled with secrets and lies. This helps him to uncover the truth about his environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question what they hear and see, fostering analytical thinking and informed decision-making.
Example Lesson: Building trust and forming alliances
Explanation: Throughout 'Among the Impostors', Luke learns the importance of forming alliances and deciding whom to trust as he seeks help and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the significance of trust and teamwork in achieving common goals, whether it's during group projects in school or in everyday interactions.