Among the Barons

Margaret Peterson Haddix

Jul 2011 · Shadow Children Book 4 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In this fourth installment of a series about a society that allows only two children per family, Luke Garner is finally adjusting to his new life at Hendricks School as Lee Grant. While the Grants belong to the highest class of society called the Barons, Luke avoids snobbish affectations and befriends his classmates, who are also illegal thirds. When the real Lee Grant's younger brother arrives at the school, along with his fierce body guard, Luke worries that Smits will expose him to the government. However, Smits has come to enlist Luke's help in discovering how his older brother really died, suspecting that he was murdered. The intrigue and danger grow more acute when both boys are called "home" and Luke discovers that the Grants have plans for him that could turn out to be fatal.

Ratings and reviews

I am a 6th Grader that goes to Prattville Intermediate School. My 5th Grade teacher read this book to me and my class. I don't know if it's just how she read it, but to me, this book is fantastic! i recommend this book to the ages of 3rd Graders to adults. I say this because it was even difficult for me to understand. For reviews on the book itself, look on someone else's review. Thank-you! -Emily Jackson

This book does an amazing job of expanding the world that has been built over the first three books. I enjoyed the abundance of characters with vastly different perspectives. In previous books, most of the characters have all had similar experiences as third children in hiding. The characters in this book have very different experiences and morals than Luke, and I liked the emphasis put on Luke trying to analyze each person. He doesn't know who he can trust, or where he is safe, but for the first time he has to take on the role of older brother. Luke has been growing into a true leader.

I've been enjoying this collection by, Margret Haddix Peterson . I'm a bit older for these books. However the underlining story is relatable, and the main story is entertianing. It's been a great series so far, that will have you clinging to each page. Good book. Give it a go.

About the author

Margaret Peterson Haddix is the author of many critically and popularly acclaimed YA and middle grade novels, including the Children of Exile series, The Missing series, the Under Their Skin series, and the Shadow Children series. A graduate of Miami University (of Ohio), she worked for several years as a reporter for The Indianapolis News. She also taught at the Danville (Illinois) Area Community College. She lives with her family in Columbus, Ohio. Visit her at HaddixBooks.com.