2 more by Melanie

Among the Hidden by Margret Peterson Haddix
reviewed by Melanie

I read this years ago, and I still love the story. Among the Hidden is about a boy, Luke, who lives in a world where there is a law that a family can't consist of more than 2 children. Luke is a third child, so he has to stay hidden. But then Luke finds another third child, and he beings to feel much less lonely—but his life gets much more dangerous. Among the Hidden is small and it's easy to read, but I think people of all ages could enjoy this book. The plot is just so original! The setting is interesting—even if it is just Luke's house, where he's hiding. The characters seem real; some with stronger personalities than others! Among the Hidden explains what it feels to be in serious danger, to feel hope after a life of hopelessness, and to feel completely and utterly alone.

Messenger by Lois Lowry
reviewed by Melanie

After reading The Giver, I was compelled to read one of the two books that connects with it. Messenger is about a young boy, Matty, who lives in somewhat perfect village surrounded by a deadly forest. When things being to go wrong in his perfect community Matty is assigned a dangerous task-- which might just show him his true power. Messenger, in my opinion, isn't as good as The Giver. Though I found it interesting and mysterious, it wasn't as compelling. The setting was very interesting, and the characters even more so. The story opens your imagination and makes you think. The ending tugged at my heart and the plot was very creative and original. As powerful as it seems, it still didn't make me really want to keep reading. nevertheless, overall I am happy I read it and I would suggest it to anyone who craves a crazy science-fiction story.