Hidden

Semi-Boring Cover

Cool Cover

First, let me say I love this book cover with the girls way more than the one I had. Everyone knows the old saying, but people, especially kids still DO judge a book by its cover. With all the choices, book covers do need to grab attention from a marketing standpoint. Anyway...

Hidden by Helen Frost is 2016 Bluestem nominee book about 2 girls bonded by a secret that alters their lives and they must decide if it will remain hidden or can they free themselves. Wren is accidentally kidnapped by Darra's father in a robbery when both girls are 8. She hides in the garage until she can escape. Darra and Wren both have misconceptions about each other and what happened. Years later they meet at camp and come face to face with each other and with their feelings. 

The book is written in alternating points of view. One is in free verse, the other has hidden messages (which I didn't know until I read the bonus material at the end) which is kind of cool. Good way for kids to be introduced to poetry and read a contemporary story.