Reading Order
Shadow Childrenseries.seoTitleShort
Start with Among the Hidden and continue through all 7 books in the listed reading order.
Start Here
Start with Among the Hidden
Book 1 by Margaret Peterson Haddix • Published 1998
Luke is a forbidden third child who has spent his entire life hiding in an attic, watching other kids play through a vent. Meeting bold neighbor Jen, another hidden child, pushes him to question his government’s popul...
Complete List
Shadow Children reading order
Ends with Among the Free
- 1
Book 1:Among the Hidden
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 1998
Luke is a forbidden third child who has spent his entire life hiding in an attic, watching other kids play through a vent. Meeting bold neighbor Jen, another hidden child, pushes him to question his government’s popul...
- 2
Book 2:Among the Impostors
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 2001
Forced out of hiding, Luke assumes a dead boy’s identity and enters a strange boarding school where students seem oddly clueless. Sneaking through forbidden hallways and a mysterious outdoor area, he discovers other s...
- 3
Book 3:Among the Betrayed
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 2002
Accused of betraying other shadow children, Nina is thrown into prison and offered a deal: help trap three younger kids or face execution. As she decides what to do, she uncovers deeper plots inside the Population Pol...
- 4
Book 4:Among the Barons
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 2003
Living under the identity of a dead Baron’s son, Luke is summoned to meet his “family” and quickly realizes they have dangerous plans for him. Caught between wealth, lies, and a ruthless bodyguard, he must decide who...
- 5
Book 5:Among the Brave
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 2004
Timid Trey is thrust into heroism when a raid on Mr. Talbot’s house sends him fleeing into a countryside under Population Police control. With Luke missing and friends imprisoned, Trey must use his bookish knowledge t...
- 6
Book 6:Among the Enemy
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 2005
Matthias, a former shadow child, is captured by the Population Police and offered a chance to serve them. Torn between survival and loyalty to his friends, he becomes a reluctant double agent inside the heart of the o...
- 7
Book 7:Among the Free
Margaret Peterson Haddix • 2006
In the final Shadow Children book, Luke goes undercover with the Population Police just as a coup topples the regime. Thrown into chaos and propaganda, he must decide whether to stay hidden or risk everything to tell...
Quick Answers
Shadow Children FAQ
What is the best order to read the Shadow Children series?
The recommended reading order is the numbered order shown on this page, starting with Among the Hidden.
How many books are in the Shadow Children series?
There are 7 books currently listed in the Shadow Children series on GurusReads.
Where should I start with the Shadow Children series?
New readers should start with Among the Hidden, the first book in the reading order.
Is the Shadow Children series complete?
Based on the publication years we have, the series appears likely complete and spans releases from 1998 to 2006.