Book 1

To the outside world, Luke does not exist. His parents hide their third son away from a society where the penalty for breaking the Population Law is harsh. When the new housing development replaces the woods next to his family's farm, Luke is not even allowed outside. Sitting alone in the attic, watching the houses opposite, he suddenly sees a girl's face in the window of a house where he knows two children already live.

Book 3

Thirteen-year-old Nina is imprisoned by the Population Police, who give her the option of helping them identify illegal "third-born" children, or facing death.

Book 3

Amongst the Betrayed

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Published 5 September 2002
Nina has been arrested for falsely accusing others of being illegal third children - a capital crime in a society that allows only two children per family. Now the government wants to strike a deal with Nina. In order to save her own life she must gain the trust of three young children and convince them to confess their hidden identities. Then she must betray them. The children will die; Nina will live. But then Nina discovers a way to escape and to take the others with her, but will their plan be successful and how does Nina know whom she can trust, in these treacherous times?

Among the hidden: In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear on his family's farm. Then Luke discovers the existence of another shadow child and his world is turned upside down.

Among the imposters: Luke has the chance to come out of hiding at last. Under a fake identity, he is enrolled in the Hendricks School, where he discovers that there is a lot going on under the surface. Luke doesn't know whom he can trust, where the truth will lead him or what price he'll have to pay for the answers he seeks.