Among the Barons
Fourth novel in the Shadow Children dystopian series.
Among the Barons is a 2003 middle grade dystopian novel by American writer Margaret Peterson Haddix. It is the fourth of seven novels in the Shadow Children series, set in a time when drastic measures have been taken to quell overpopulation. The story follows Luke, an illegal third child, who is forced to impersonate a deceased boy named Lee Grant, a member of a prominent Baron family.
- Author
- Margaret Peterson Haddix
- Publication year
- 2003
- Genre
- Middle grade dystopian novel
- Series
- Shadow Children series (fourth of seven novels)
- Nationality
- American
- Setting
- A time of drastic overpopulation measures
Lore & Background
In Among the Barons, Luke, an illegal third child, is living under the identity of Lee Grant, a deceased son of the wealthy Grant family. The real Lee's brother, Smithfield Grant (called Smits), is sent to the school to visit 'Lee,' and Smits shares stories of his brother. Smits, troubled by his brother's death, sets the school on fire to get rid of his bodyguard, Oscar. After the fire, Luke discovers two fake IDs in Smits's room: one with Smits's picture labeled Peter Goodard, and another with no picture labeled Stanley Goodard.
Reader's Guide
Among the Barons continues the Shadow Children series' exploration of identity, trust, and survival under a repressive regime. The novel deepens the tension of Luke's double life as an illegal third child, now thrust into the dangerous world of the wealthy Baron class. The plot introduces moral ambiguity through characters like Smits and Oscar, and the fire and assassination attempt raise the stakes. The book serves as a pivotal entry, setting up events for the next novel, Among the Brave. Its significance lies in its examination of grief, deception, and the lengths families will go to protect their secrets.
Did You Know?
- The real Lee Grant died in a car accident.
- Luke discovers two fake IDs in Smits's room: one labeled Peter Goodard and one labeled Stanley Goodard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Among the Barons?
It is a 2003 middle-grade dystopian novel by American author Margaret Peterson Haddix, serving as the fourth book in her seven-part Shadow Children series.
What is the main plot of Among the Barons?
Luke, an illegal third child, is thrust into the dangerous position of pretending to be Lee Grant, a recently deceased boy from a powerful Baron family, just to keep from being caught and punished.
Who is the protagonist in Among the Barons?
The story follows Luke, an unauthorized third child who must assume the identity of a dead boy named Lee Grant in order to hide from the authorities and survive.
What kind of world does Among the Barons take place in?
The novel is set in a society where the government has enforced extreme population-control measures, making the mere existence of a third child a criminal offense.
Where does Among the Barons fit in the Shadow Children series?
It is the fourth of seven novels in Margaret Peterson Haddix's Shadow Children series, picking up Luke's story after the events of the earlier books.
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