HIDDEN

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. 2011. HIDDEN. New York; Frances Foster. ISBN 9780374382216

PLOT SUMMARY

Eight-year old Wren Abbot was hiding in the back seat when her mom’s car was stolen.  When they arrive at the man’s house, Wren finds a place to hide in the garage trying to figure out the best way out.  Darra Monson whose dad is the one who stole the car knows that Wren is there. Darra speaks to Wren and without seeing each other leaves food and water for her.  Finally, Wren finds a way out and escapes.  Six years later, Wren and Darra are attending the same camp.  The girls recognize each other instantly.  Both girls try to stay away from each other to avoid talking about the past.  After a game called Drown Last, the girls are finally able to talk about what transpired six years ago which helps them have some closure and start a new friendship.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This novel in verse will captivate young readers from its suspenseful beginning that deals with the kidnapping of one of the main characters.   This fast-paced novel will keep the reader entertained as it goes back and forth from each of the protagonists in the story.  Wren and Darra, each gets to tell their side of the story which permits the reader to see both points of view as the girls go through a life-changing experience that affected both.  The way the poems are written shows whose poems they are.  Wren’s poems are presented in short verse while Darra’s poems are presented in a unique way in longer stanzas and the last words in the longer lines, when read down, create a new sentence which gives more insight on Darra’s story.  

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS review: “Both tender and insightful, this well-crafted, fast-paced tale should have wide teen appeal.”

VOYA Review: “Teen readers will be intrigued by the kidnapping that opens the story, which is told at a fast pace through straightforward poems.”

CONNECTIONS

Read other books that alternate between protagonists such as:

Frost, Helen. The Braid. ISBN 9780374300715

Hemphill, Stephanie. Wicked Girls. ISBN 0061853291

Have students compare the protagonists of the story with the use of a Venn diagram or double bubble thinking map.