1. Who are the hidden figures in this narrative? Are Luke, Jen, and the shadow children the only ones concealed? In what ways might other characters in the story also be hidden?

2. Why is Luke's family so fearful of the government? What tactics does the government employ to make families like Luke's feel so powerless?

3. Early in the novel, Luke mentions that his family will ask who, what, and when questions, but they don't consider which questions are truly important. Why do you think this is?

4. Discuss the differences between the Barons and regular citizens. How are Jen's and Luke's families alike and how do they differ?

5. Jen tells Luke that "hope doesn't mean anything" and that "action is the only thing that counts." Luke believes that people like him just let events unfold. Do you agree more with Jen or with Luke? Explain your reasoning.

6. When Luke first encounters Jen, he thinks she is a boy. Why does he have this impression? How might the story change if Jen were actually a boy?

7. Why do you think Luke is hesitant to accept the false identity card offered by Jen's father?

8. Jen's stepfather is part of the Population Police, yet he shelters a third child in his home. Does this make him brave and admirable, or cowardly and hypocritical? What do you think happens to him after he drops Luke off at his new boarding school?

9. Describe Luke's relationships with his mother and father. How do these relationships evolve throughout the novel?