The Shadow Children Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

All of these books are the continuing story from "Among the Hidden."  It is the series called "The Shadow Children" series.  "Among the Impostors" (Book 2)  is about Luke (Lee) as he is among other third children with his ID.

 "Among the Betrayed"  (Book 3) is Nina's story after she is betrayed.

"Among the Barons" (Book 4) is about Luke (Lee) again.  It's what happens when he lives with his baron family.

"Among the Brave"(Book 5)  is Trey's story.  He has to find courage within.

"Among the Enemy" (Book 6) is Matthias' story.  It is his adventure working behind enemy lines.

"Among the Free" (Book 7) is back to Luke (Lee).  They are free but ARE THEY?  New conflicts arise.

So this series about the Shadow Children and the "Hunger Games" series makes me think of a Dystopia society.  That is a good word and it describes this kind of book.  (Thanks Ryan for the word).

Why do I like this kind of book?  I will tell you...I love to see the strength in people from deep down when they get in desperate situations.  When it seems all is lost they reach deep down inside themselves for their inner strength and come up with a solution.  They are heroes even though they aren't seeking to be heroes.  They are seeking for right and for Human rights.  They also have to rely on a higher power.  It's great to see God intervene in their lives.  God can do miracles and these Dystopia societies are an environment where the hand of the Lord can be seen.  

This book makes me ponder what I would do if I were in this type of society.  Would I allow my "animal" instincts to take over.  Would I care more to be fed or any of my needs above what I do for those around me and for my society?  I can't help but hope I'd be of strong character and have a prayer deep inside that if that ever did happen that I'd think of others instead of myself. 

I LOVED these books.

Hunger Games & Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I went away for Labor day to Island Park to a cabin.  I had these visions of reading Hunger Games and Catching fire.   Well, I can't read in the car, it makes me sick.   The only time I could read is after we reached our destination.  Reading was harder than I thought with my kids and their cousins running too an fro and with our agenda of things we wanted to do and to talk with family.  It took me many days to get about 3/4 of the way through Hunger Games.  I'd have to stop at night and then I'd sit and think of the story and not sleep and not able to read.  Well, I got home yesterday and read the rest of Hunger Games and ALL of Catching Fire.  Wow!  I am really into these books and I plan to start "Mockingjay" today.  Mostly I am starting because I can't get the story out of my head and I can't seem to focus on anything else!!!  I need to get on with my life!

Hunger Games is a book about a girl named Katniss Everdeen, I remember her name because her childhood friend calls her Catnip.  Katniss lives in a district that mines coal.  Their are other districts that do other things but all are highly controlled by the Capital.  The Capital is what took over the ruins of North America.  Their Nation is the nation of Panem.  To keep the districts in line they have a boy and girl from each district go to a televised event called the "Hunger Games."  In this deadly game, only one will live through until the end.  The goal is to be the last one living.   It is kill or be killed.  This is a very intriguing story and one that doesn't lose my interest throughout.  I must admit after "The Hunger Game" ends I felt urgent about reading "Catching Fire" to find out more of the story.   But after "Catching Fire,"  I feel I am catching my breath a little better.   I don't know why that is so because from the ending  can tell there is much action ahead.  In fact, I think I'll go read it!

I recommend these books but also recommend putting aside enough time to read them....they are all encompassing, thought promoting books.