Among the Hidden by Margaret Haddix Peterson (Shadow Children series, book 1)

Luke is a third. He cannot leave the house, can't play in the yard, doesn't even get to eat at the table, doesn't have any friends ... all because he was born third. In the world that Luke knows, the government has outlawed all families from having more than two children. He must stay hidden to be safe.

It didn't used to be so bad. Sometimes at night he could go out in the yard, or even in the forest surrounding his house. He and his brothers could play, and feel the breeze on his face. The government put a stop to that when they reclaimed the forest, cut down the trees, and built fancy houses for the Barons to move into ... it's so unfair!

With the neighbors now in such close proximity, Luke's movements become even more restricted than before. His father is increasingly paranoid that one of them will notice if the blinds are down, and call the Population Police. He doesn't know about Luke's hiding spots around the house, he doesn't know that Luke saw another third, at a Baron's house!

Summoning all his courage, Luke plans for a day when he will confront this other third child. In his haste, he forgets to anticipate actually arriving at the house. Now what does he do? He's out in the open. Anyone could see him, and kill him on the spot. Frantically ripping at the screen door, he cuts his hand ... only to discover the face of a girl on the other side of the door. Jen is cool, calm, collected, and seemingly has her finger on the pulse of the next third revolution. She is like no one he has ever met.

She talks to other third children online, planning a rally to show the government that they exist. She gives him books and articles to read about the Population Laws, and how it all went wrong. She talks to him ... and in a lot of ways, that's enough. He looks forward to his visits, and learning about the Baron way of life. She sneaks him junk food (illegal), and talks about the future, a time when all the third children will be free to live their lives in the open. No more hiding. Could it possibly work?

“'Sure, you can be a coward and hope someone else changes the world for you. You can hide up in that attic of yours until someone knocks on the door and says, "Oh, hey, they freed the hidden. Want to come out?" Is that what you want?'
Luke didn't answer.
'You've got to come, Luke, or you'll hate yourself the rest of your life. When you don't have to hide anymore, even years from now, there'll always be some small part of you whispering, "I don't deserve this. I didn't fight for it. I'm not worth it." And you are, Luke, you are. You're smart and funny and nice, and you should be living life, instead of being buried alive in that old house of yours,'” (Peterson, 1998).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:
Among the Imposters by Margaret Haddix Peterson (Shadow Children, book 2)
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
The Giver by Lois Lowry

Peterson, Margaret Haddix. (1998). Among the Hidden. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.