Among the enemy
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers 2008
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- oppression and resistance
- identity and secrecy
- courage
- loyalty and trust
- survival
- sacrifice
- authoritarian government
- hope
About this book
In a future where families are punished for having more than two children, a hidden third child is forced to survive by joining the very forces that hunt kids like him. Working inside the Population Police, he must decide who to trust and when to risk everything to help others like him. Fast-paced and full of close calls, this installment in the Shadow Children series explores courage under pressure and the power of quiet resistance. Great for upper elementary and middle school readers who enjoy dystopian adventures with moral dilemmas.
Setting: a near-future dystopian country under Population Police rule
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Among the enemy right for my child?
Yes — Among the enemy is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include oppression and resistance, identity and secrecy, courage.
How long does it take to read Among the enemy?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Among the enemy takes around 5.0h to finish. The book has 49,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Among the enemy have an AR quiz?
Yes — Among the enemy has an AR quiz available, worth 7 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Among the enemy?
Among the enemy has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.