Among the Imposters by Margret Peterson Haddix

(spoilers for Among the Hidden)

Goodreads Synopsis: Luke Garner is terrified.

Out of hiding for the first time in his life, he knows that any minute one of his new classmates at Hendricks School for Boys could discover his secret: that he's a third child passing as the recently deceased Lee Grant. And in a society where it's illegal for families to have more than two children, being a third child means certain death at the hands of the dreaded Population Police.

His first experience outside the safety of his home is bewildering. There's not a single window anywhere in the school; Luke can't tell his classmates apart (even as they subject him to brutal hazing); and the teachers seem oblivious to it all.

Desperate to fit in, Luke endures the confusion and teasing until he discovers an unlocked door to the outside, and a chance to understand what is really going on. But to take this chance -- to find out the secrets of Hendricks -- Luke will need to put aside his fears and discover a courage that a lifetime in hiding couldn't thwart.

Once again, best-selling author Margaret Peterson Haddix delights her fans with this spine-tingling account of an all-too-possible future. Among the Impostors is a worthy companion to Among the Hidden and a heart-stopping thriller in its own right.

My Rating: 5 stars.

Content Warnings: PG. Child swearing, the constant looming threat of death and torture to many of the young characters, a government willing to torture and kill these kids.

(spoilers below)

Thoughts: I've recently been rediscovering MPH and her incredible talent. I read Among the Hidden in August of last year and finally got my hands on the next several books in the series. It's one that I've wanted to read for over a decade, and even though I'm far past the intended audience of her works by now they're still amazing.

While it is a middle grade book and reads as fast as a middle grade book, it doesn't feel like a kid's book. It's a heavy story, with the looming threat of death, even torture, for Luke and many friends he makes along the way. And the story doesn't shy away from that. But it also isn't melodramatic about things either.

I appreciate the depiction of many of the adults in the story. I don't read enough middle grade to know, but I know I'm often dissatisfied in how YA adults are shown. In this book they're also keenly aware of what's going on (and those who aren't have understandable reasons not to be), as well as closely helping and protecting the kids. We need more story adults like Mr. Talbot.

Luke's grief was handled well. He didn't immediately get over it, and Jen continued to be a presence in his life. She had made such a big impact it would have been a shame if he had moved on too quickly.

And Luke himself is a precious bean and I love him. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.