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Hidden
Xander has middle school all figured out: keep your head down, don't care too much, and wear the right shoes.
That all changes when Xander witnesses two clumsy dog groomers attempt to commit a crime against the United States government. He and his family are sent into Witness Protection in soda-loving, Jell-o-obsessed Utah, where the rules of "fitting in" are turned completely upside-down.
Will Xander keep himself hidden from the awkward but dangerous criminals?
Why is he at the center of their government schemes?
And how will the kids at Xander's new school react to a boy who doesn't know Sprite from 7-Up?
Hidden will delight middle school students with its witty humor and chaotic intrigue.
Goodbye, normalcy.
Hello, Jell-o.
That all changes when Xander witnesses two clumsy dog groomers attempt to commit a crime against the United States government. He and his family are sent into Witness Protection in soda-loving, Jell-o-obsessed Utah, where the rules of "fitting in" are turned completely upside-down.
Will Xander keep himself hidden from the awkward but dangerous criminals?
Why is he at the center of their government schemes?
And how will the kids at Xander's new school react to a boy who doesn't know Sprite from 7-Up?
Hidden will delight middle school students with its witty humor and chaotic intrigue.
Goodbye, normalcy.
Hello, Jell-o.
172 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2025
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 19, 2025
"Hidden" by Olivia Gold is a short, funny, light read. It's about Xander who is Middle school & is good for 12 years & up!
The author takes a look at the phenomenon of "not caring" for the sake of looking cool (& also as a strategy to avoid getting hurt) … & this book is about, what if there be a society in which teenagers care?
The concept is refreshing. Xander, who has learnt that being nonchalant about all school activities is cool, finds himself in the company of fanatically serious hobbyists, who are competitive, but as a group, & value team effort & team loyalty & co-operation. & they apply "peer pressure" for that. As a teenager, he quickly realigns, & this book is about accepting different kinds of people, & accepting oneself.
The book also shows the unrealistic pressure that the parents' being involved in security services of the country puts on the child. He has to move town without informing his friends & without the chance of informing them later either. At one point, Xander loses face in front of his new friends, but is prevented from explaining himself. The book also touches upon the ridiculous mechanism of MLM. All this is done in a very naturally flowing, non-preachy manner.
The humour is on many levels. Bungling criminals, "geriatric" mobile phones, overbearing classmates, to how the dog after the grooming incident looks presidential, to cringe pop references, there is slapstick, situational, & certainly certain amount of satire - the CEOs of Pepsi & Coca-Cola & Dr. Pepper getting together every year to judge school competitions … is that a hint at something? Are Heyleigh, Annaleigh, Everleigh related? I did not catch that joke…
It bothers me slightly that the things that the kids in the new school "care " about are so consumerist - packaged food & packaged drinks, & that some of the ways of caring are fixing their looks & wearing a certain set of colours, but perhaps that is good enough for Middle School kids, & also it is definitely in keeping with the "Utah" specials.
Altogether, the book is fun, & easy to read, & wholesome.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author takes a look at the phenomenon of "not caring" for the sake of looking cool (& also as a strategy to avoid getting hurt) … & this book is about, what if there be a society in which teenagers care?
The concept is refreshing. Xander, who has learnt that being nonchalant about all school activities is cool, finds himself in the company of fanatically serious hobbyists, who are competitive, but as a group, & value team effort & team loyalty & co-operation. & they apply "peer pressure" for that. As a teenager, he quickly realigns, & this book is about accepting different kinds of people, & accepting oneself.
The book also shows the unrealistic pressure that the parents' being involved in security services of the country puts on the child. He has to move town without informing his friends & without the chance of informing them later either. At one point, Xander loses face in front of his new friends, but is prevented from explaining himself. The book also touches upon the ridiculous mechanism of MLM. All this is done in a very naturally flowing, non-preachy manner.
The humour is on many levels. Bungling criminals, "geriatric" mobile phones, overbearing classmates, to how the dog after the grooming incident looks presidential, to cringe pop references, there is slapstick, situational, & certainly certain amount of satire - the CEOs of Pepsi & Coca-Cola & Dr. Pepper getting together every year to judge school competitions … is that a hint at something? Are Heyleigh, Annaleigh, Everleigh related? I did not catch that joke…
It bothers me slightly that the things that the kids in the new school "care " about are so consumerist - packaged food & packaged drinks, & that some of the ways of caring are fixing their looks & wearing a certain set of colours, but perhaps that is good enough for Middle School kids, & also it is definitely in keeping with the "Utah" specials.
Altogether, the book is fun, & easy to read, & wholesome.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2025
Full review on my blog.
I received a free copy of an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia Gold's Hidden takes us on quite a ride after criminals under the guise of dog groomers come after Xander's family causing them to be whisked away to Utah under Witness Protection. Thrown into a new middle school, Xander has to navigate making new friends, needs to find out why criminals are after his family, and must pretend he loves soda for the popular Soda Club and it's upcoming competition, all while keeping his true identity under wraps. But as a kid who made himself fit in by not caring about anything at his old school, Xander quickly finds out that's not gonna cut it at soda, Jell-O, and honeybee obsessed Morrison Middle.
This story was truly a series of chaos that constantly kept you guessing at what was coming next! Would it be a heartfelt conversation, a Utah exaggeration, or a laugh-out-loud moment? You never knew, but it sure was a fun story either way.
I definitely recommend this book for all those middle graders or preteens who feel just a bit awkward and don't quite know where or how they fit in. Or for those reluctant readers who could easily get into this due to its short, fast-paced chapters, simple language, and humorous way of storytelling. Or, you know, for anyone who just wants a quick, feel good read.
I received a free copy of an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia Gold's Hidden takes us on quite a ride after criminals under the guise of dog groomers come after Xander's family causing them to be whisked away to Utah under Witness Protection. Thrown into a new middle school, Xander has to navigate making new friends, needs to find out why criminals are after his family, and must pretend he loves soda for the popular Soda Club and it's upcoming competition, all while keeping his true identity under wraps. But as a kid who made himself fit in by not caring about anything at his old school, Xander quickly finds out that's not gonna cut it at soda, Jell-O, and honeybee obsessed Morrison Middle.
This story was truly a series of chaos that constantly kept you guessing at what was coming next! Would it be a heartfelt conversation, a Utah exaggeration, or a laugh-out-loud moment? You never knew, but it sure was a fun story either way.
I definitely recommend this book for all those middle graders or preteens who feel just a bit awkward and don't quite know where or how they fit in. Or for those reluctant readers who could easily get into this due to its short, fast-paced chapters, simple language, and humorous way of storytelling. Or, you know, for anyone who just wants a quick, feel good read.
January 13, 2025
I loved this book. So relatable for any middle school student.
December 27, 2024
What a fun read by Olivia Gold. This book made me laugh, and I never knew what was coming next!
December 18, 2024
• Middle school level
• Relatable
The main character named Xander he’s risk-taking, and sometimes gets himself into unwanted situations—like most of us in real life. I love how Olivia writes her characters and their character development is shown very clearly in this book. She writes many details in her stories and especially in this one you can see how much she pays attention to every little thing she puts in. I am Olivia (Mrs. Gold)’s student and I read this book as she was editing and finishing the final draft, and I saw how much work she out into this and I hope that her book succeeds.
• Relatable
The main character named Xander he’s risk-taking, and sometimes gets himself into unwanted situations—like most of us in real life. I love how Olivia writes her characters and their character development is shown very clearly in this book. She writes many details in her stories and especially in this one you can see how much she pays attention to every little thing she puts in. I am Olivia (Mrs. Gold)’s student and I read this book as she was editing and finishing the final draft, and I saw how much work she out into this and I hope that her book succeeds.
January 19, 2025
Olivia Gold’s Hidden kicks off as a middle-school romp but quickly spirals into an action-packed rollercoaster involving secret identities, quirky characters, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. The protagonist, Xander Hall, is thrust into a witness protection program, moving from his bustling Washington, D.C. life to the peculiar Gizmo, Utah. The juxtaposition of his spy-like parents' high-stakes paranoia with his own struggles to navigate Soda Club meetings and middle school drama creates a surprisingly heartwarming and comedic tale.
One thing I loved about this book was how the author made the mundane hilariously exaggerated. The Soda Club, for instance, is absurd in the best way possible. Hayleigh, the overzealous club president, treats soda crafting like an Olympic sport, barking orders about “the essence of a quality soda.” And then there’s the Jell-O obsession at Morrison Middle School that’s so strange it had me laughing. Xander’s disbelief and discomfort were palpable, making it easy to root for him even as he stumbled through this bizarre culture shock. The scene where Xander fakes enthusiasm for a soda recipe he doesn’t have? Hilariously awkward.
Gold’s writing shines in its humor but also captures family dynamics beautifully. Xander’s parents are hilarious in their hyper-vigilance, from his mom’s insistence on banning internet access to their utter suspicion of seemingly harmless dog groomers. The chaos in their house during the infamous grooming scene had me laughing out loud—who knew dog groomers could be so suspicious and inept? The blend of humor and tension is handled well, keeping the plot lighthearted yet engaging.
The plot isn’t without its depth, either. Beneath all the soda club madness and misadventures, there’s a genuine story about adaptation and finding a sense of belonging. Xander’s growth—his gradual acceptance of his new life and his understanding of his parents’ choices—feels authentic. His clever idea of creating Jell-O soda to fit in illustrates his desire to connect without losing himself. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show how much he evolves.
Hidden will be great for anyone looking for a fun, quirky read with heartfelt moments. Middle schoolers will enjoy the relatable humor, while adults might find themselves nostalgic for their own awkward teenage years. It’s lighthearted, yet it surprises you with its emotional beats. If you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water, Xander’s story is bound to resonate—and make you laugh along the way.
One thing I loved about this book was how the author made the mundane hilariously exaggerated. The Soda Club, for instance, is absurd in the best way possible. Hayleigh, the overzealous club president, treats soda crafting like an Olympic sport, barking orders about “the essence of a quality soda.” And then there’s the Jell-O obsession at Morrison Middle School that’s so strange it had me laughing. Xander’s disbelief and discomfort were palpable, making it easy to root for him even as he stumbled through this bizarre culture shock. The scene where Xander fakes enthusiasm for a soda recipe he doesn’t have? Hilariously awkward.
Gold’s writing shines in its humor but also captures family dynamics beautifully. Xander’s parents are hilarious in their hyper-vigilance, from his mom’s insistence on banning internet access to their utter suspicion of seemingly harmless dog groomers. The chaos in their house during the infamous grooming scene had me laughing out loud—who knew dog groomers could be so suspicious and inept? The blend of humor and tension is handled well, keeping the plot lighthearted yet engaging.
The plot isn’t without its depth, either. Beneath all the soda club madness and misadventures, there’s a genuine story about adaptation and finding a sense of belonging. Xander’s growth—his gradual acceptance of his new life and his understanding of his parents’ choices—feels authentic. His clever idea of creating Jell-O soda to fit in illustrates his desire to connect without losing himself. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show how much he evolves.
Hidden will be great for anyone looking for a fun, quirky read with heartfelt moments. Middle schoolers will enjoy the relatable humor, while adults might find themselves nostalgic for their own awkward teenage years. It’s lighthearted, yet it surprises you with its emotional beats. If you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water, Xander’s story is bound to resonate—and make you laugh along the way.
February 5, 2025
Hidden by Olivia Gold is a zany, feel-good story that balances mystery, humor, and the awkward realities of middle school. Readers follow Xander Hall as he’s thrust into witness protection with his family and all the chaos involved in adjusting to a new identity, navigating quirky Utah culture, and unraveling a potentially dangerous mystery.
The adventure kicks off when two hilariously incompetent “dog groomers” attempt to rob Xander’s family but leave empty-handed. Suspecting a deeper conspiracy, Xander’s government-employed parents relocate the family to the small town of Gizmo, Utah. Suddenly, Xander is no longer a laid-back D.C. kid but a student at Morrison Middle School, where Soda Club rules and Jell-O is practically a religion. Xander’s dry wit and relatable struggles make him a delightful guide through this quirky, chaotic journey.
The book excels in its humor and heart. Xander’s internal monologue is full of sharp observations, from his dismay at Utah’s Jell-O obsession to his horror at Soda Club’s intensity. The supporting cast, including the over-the-top Hayleigh and loyal friend Jedediah, brings a mix of charm and absurdity. The “fish out of water” theme is handled with wit, making even mundane moments entertaining.
Some scenarios—like Hayleigh’s obsession with soda or the extreme enthusiasm of the Honeybee school culture—push believability. While this adds to the humor, it can feel over-the-top for readers who prefer more grounded stories. But trust me, as someone who’s lived and worked in Utah, Gold’s descriptions are not far off. And while Xander is well-developed, the supporting characters occasionally lean into caricature; but your average middle-grade reader won’t mind.
Hidden is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read perfect for middle-grade readers. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Spy School will feel right at home with Xander’s mix of dry humor and accidental heroism. This book is a fantastic choice for readers aged 9–13 who love quirky, humorous stories with a dash of mystery. It’s especially great for kids navigating their own middle school adventures or those who enjoy books with lovable, relatable protagonists. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted mystery or just some laughs, Hidden will keep you entertained from start to finish.ds us of the power words hold—to heal, connect, and create entire worlds.
Thanks to Reedsy for providing me with the ARC of this novel.
The adventure kicks off when two hilariously incompetent “dog groomers” attempt to rob Xander’s family but leave empty-handed. Suspecting a deeper conspiracy, Xander’s government-employed parents relocate the family to the small town of Gizmo, Utah. Suddenly, Xander is no longer a laid-back D.C. kid but a student at Morrison Middle School, where Soda Club rules and Jell-O is practically a religion. Xander’s dry wit and relatable struggles make him a delightful guide through this quirky, chaotic journey.
The book excels in its humor and heart. Xander’s internal monologue is full of sharp observations, from his dismay at Utah’s Jell-O obsession to his horror at Soda Club’s intensity. The supporting cast, including the over-the-top Hayleigh and loyal friend Jedediah, brings a mix of charm and absurdity. The “fish out of water” theme is handled with wit, making even mundane moments entertaining.
Some scenarios—like Hayleigh’s obsession with soda or the extreme enthusiasm of the Honeybee school culture—push believability. While this adds to the humor, it can feel over-the-top for readers who prefer more grounded stories. But trust me, as someone who’s lived and worked in Utah, Gold’s descriptions are not far off. And while Xander is well-developed, the supporting characters occasionally lean into caricature; but your average middle-grade reader won’t mind.
Hidden is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read perfect for middle-grade readers. Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Spy School will feel right at home with Xander’s mix of dry humor and accidental heroism. This book is a fantastic choice for readers aged 9–13 who love quirky, humorous stories with a dash of mystery. It’s especially great for kids navigating their own middle school adventures or those who enjoy books with lovable, relatable protagonists. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted mystery or just some laughs, Hidden will keep you entertained from start to finish.ds us of the power words hold—to heal, connect, and create entire worlds.
Thanks to Reedsy for providing me with the ARC of this novel.
January 23, 2025
This is a great middle grade book.
Xander is not happy to begin seventh grade with a flip phone. His parents don’t want him to have anything that might put him in danger. Both of his parents have government jobs that could attract the attention of unsavory people. Xander doesn’t really have any fear of this happening. His life changed in the blink of an eye. Xander overhears two men who are posing as dog groomers in his parent's office across from his bedroom. They are looking for something. Xander’s mom ushers the two men out of her house as she and Xander try to clean up the mess they left. When Xander tells his mom what the men were doing the next thing he knows, they are in the witness protection program. Now, he has to start school in a new state and try to fit in. This is not something Xander is good at. To make matters worse, he is enrolled in the “Soda-Club.” The members are trying to create a new soda flavor for a competition.
This was a fun book to read. Maybe it is because I teach middle school and see some of their antics daily. The story rang true in so many ways. If you want to read something fun with an element of mystery, this book is for you. Step into the story with Xander, where it seems the disasters just keep coming his way.
Xander is not happy to begin seventh grade with a flip phone. His parents don’t want him to have anything that might put him in danger. Both of his parents have government jobs that could attract the attention of unsavory people. Xander doesn’t really have any fear of this happening. His life changed in the blink of an eye. Xander overhears two men who are posing as dog groomers in his parent's office across from his bedroom. They are looking for something. Xander’s mom ushers the two men out of her house as she and Xander try to clean up the mess they left. When Xander tells his mom what the men were doing the next thing he knows, they are in the witness protection program. Now, he has to start school in a new state and try to fit in. This is not something Xander is good at. To make matters worse, he is enrolled in the “Soda-Club.” The members are trying to create a new soda flavor for a competition.
This was a fun book to read. Maybe it is because I teach middle school and see some of their antics daily. The story rang true in so many ways. If you want to read something fun with an element of mystery, this book is for you. Step into the story with Xander, where it seems the disasters just keep coming his way.
March 24, 2025
I teach middle school, and I think this book is great for reluctant readers who are looking for something with action, humor, and some middle-grade-level absurdity. Sometimes books that appeal to reluctant readers attract them because they are about realistic edgy content, but a lot of times that comes with mature themes and potentially offensive language. This book has none of that. It will reel in that reader who just wants a fun and exciting read without a heavy storyline with, as I say to appeal to them, NO BORING PARTS. They get their suspense and action with the nefarious dog groomers and will love the action sequence in the end. They get their humor with the sassy Hayleigh, head of the Soda Club, and the main character Xander's trials and tribulations as a "fish out of water" while he hides out in witness protection. There are some moments in the plot line or character development that might have some readers saying "that would never happen" or "that's so unrealistic" - but this is fiction, and when I read it, I didn't get the impression the author was going for deep metaphorical interpretation. I think it's a fun read that many middle grade students, probably best with 6th and 7th grades, will find unique and exciting.
January 17, 2025
This was a cute and sometimes comical story about a middle school student, Xander, who was forced to enter the witness protection program with his parents and move away from everything and everyone that he knew. The premise of showing the challenges and hesitant excitement that comes from a change in culture and the ability reinvent oneself at a new school was the stronger part of the book. What middle school student doesn't wish for that opportunity every so often? As a middle school book, however, this fell short on digging below the superficial aspects of everything that comes along with this time period of a person's life. Like many other books that are marketed to this age group, the conversational language of the students relied heavily on the forced integration of current slang and stereotypes and failed to grasp this teen/tween group as a whole. The style, language, and characterization, as well as the somewhat predictable storyline would find a great home in an upper elementary school classroom, but as far as middle grade novels are concerned, it falls short of capturing the nuances of this age group.
January 26, 2025
Gold combines sharp wit, wild turns, and middle school madness into a taut, thrilling story in her latest novel. Xander thought he had middle school figured out: stay low, care less, and blend in. But his world flips when two bumbling dog groomers reveal themselves as criminals, forcing his family into Witness Protection in Utah. As Xander struggles to dodge dangerous crooks while navigating overeager classmates, he must unravel why he’s caught in a government conspiracy.
Gold’s prose crackles with authenticity, expertly balancing absurdity and realism. Xander’s dry wit drives the humor, while the awkwardness of adolescence and the warmth of familial bonds deepen the narrative. His evolution—from reluctant outsider to resourceful problem-solver—is both natural and compelling. The humor peaks in chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments, from a disastrous dog-grooming debacle to the antics of an overzealous Soda Club president, seamlessly balancing the suspense. Throughout, Gold delves into themes of trust, resilience, and the weight of secrets. An exhilarating tale of identity and belonging in a world turned upside down.
Gold’s prose crackles with authenticity, expertly balancing absurdity and realism. Xander’s dry wit drives the humor, while the awkwardness of adolescence and the warmth of familial bonds deepen the narrative. His evolution—from reluctant outsider to resourceful problem-solver—is both natural and compelling. The humor peaks in chaotic, laugh-out-loud moments, from a disastrous dog-grooming debacle to the antics of an overzealous Soda Club president, seamlessly balancing the suspense. Throughout, Gold delves into themes of trust, resilience, and the weight of secrets. An exhilarating tale of identity and belonging in a world turned upside down.
February 1, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Olivia Gold's new teen book Hidden. It starts simply enough discussing the life of a middle schooler seemingly bored with his life. His parents are quite protective and it put him in positions of not being quite the most popular teen at school However, things take a turn when some dog groomers enter the picture and send the federally employed family off to hide in new identities for awhile. The new jobs the parents get, the new school Xander attends, and the friends he makes are a hilarious mix of odd and fun. The story becomes fun and twisty with turns you don't quite expect. The ending is a joy too - go Xander! As I am a teacher, I have begun reading this with my 6th grade class and they said to let Olivia know it's a winner and they are enjoying it! If they are engaged then you know it's good!
January 17, 2025
I was asked to review this book and wanted to like it, but found it full of tacky and occasionally offensive stereotypes. In my experience as a middle school it seems below a middle school interest and reading level. It started with an interesting premise, but I was disappointed the high security conscious parents couldn’t sniff out the fake dog groomers. The level of intrigue went down from there. Most of the humor is based on “those weird Utah kids and moms” stereotypes and may go over the heads of kids unfamiliar with them. It’s a very surface entertainment type novel, which in general is fine, but this lacks the depth to keep a middle schooler’s interested and overall feels too young for that age of student.
December 22, 2024
I loved this book! I couldn’t stop turning the pages because I had no idea what was going to happen next. There is a crime against the government and the family goes into the witness protection program, yet the book was filled with funny moments that kept it light and enjoyable, especially for middle school readers. Xander's witty remarks, unusual situations, and clever solutions had me laughing out loud! When I read the final page I felt like cheering with applause. I highly recommend this book.
February 6, 2025
A fun read, perfect for a middle-grade audience!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Xander and his parents are forced to join the Witness Protection Program. When they relocate to a small town in Utah to go undercover, the family never dreams of the wacky adventures they will soon have; some funny, and some downright dangerous…
*In exchange for an honest review, Book Sirens provided me with a digital copy. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Xander and his parents are forced to join the Witness Protection Program. When they relocate to a small town in Utah to go undercover, the family never dreams of the wacky adventures they will soon have; some funny, and some downright dangerous…
*In exchange for an honest review, Book Sirens provided me with a digital copy. All opinions are strictly my own.*
January 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much! I am absolutely adding it to my classroom library. The characters are relatable and likable, mostly:), the plot is fresh and the pace is great. I can see some reluctant readers getting hooked. Middle grade read, mystery and humor all wrapped in one debut novel! I was lucky to get to read it before publication, can’t wait to read her next book.
December 18, 2024
This book brings in both mystery and reality, from its mysterious dog groomers, to its realistic fear of not fitting into middle school. It’s laughs also bring in a funny perspective about Utah, Olivia Gold is by far the best Author of realistic fiction.
January 18, 2025
This book is a great book for middle school kids, and it didn't disappoint. The pace is pretty quick, and that's great for MS kids. It has intrigue, drama, and typical middle school hijinks. I think the kids in this age range will really like the book.
January 31, 2025
My daughter is Olivia's student, and the day they finished this book, she came home and said that she absolutely loved it and that she wanted the book for herself. So, now we have two copies. Thank you, Olivia!
January 17, 2025
This book is so relatable for middle school students! They will enjoy the humor and the silly antics of the characters.
February 23, 2025
What a fun, light-hearted read!
September 9, 2025
Cute middle grade! This is an easy, quick win read for both boys and girls!
December 24, 2024
I loved this book! It was such a fun read, and I loved the writing style. Hidden was also hilarious, which is something I always look for, and it was an absolute page turner! I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what would happen next to Xander is this new world he was forced to discover. I definitely recommend this book for young readers, but it is also fun for adults too!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews