Sunday Synopsis

Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson Haddix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Among the Barons is the fourth of seven books in Margaret Peterson Haddix's Shadow Children series. The series is built on the premise that severe food shortages and drought have led the country, run by a totalitarian government, to forbid couples to have more than two children. Those who choose to ignore the law have dire consequences if caught. Luke is a third child who is the main character of the series.

I liked the first two books in the series but not the third one, so I put off reading this fourth one for a long time. It started off slowly, but once it got into the meat of the story, it was good.

Luke has been living at the Hendrick's School for Boys under an assumed name, Lee Grant, a baron who died on the ski slopes. Unbeknownst to Luke, the School is admitting a new student, Smits Grant, who brings his bodyguard along. After a fire at the school, Smits and Lee/Luke, are sent home to their parents. The Grants have big plans for Lee and Smits, but you'll have to read to find out what happens.

This book would be classified as dystopian fiction for young adults. I think it is the perfect reading and interest level for grades 4 through 7. But I do believe adults who like an easy read occasionally would also enjoy the series.

View all my reviews

Subscribe in a reader