In Hiding

by Wilmar H. Shiras

Timothy is a 13-year-old sent to the school psychologist by his teacher because he just doesn’t quite fit in, although she isn’t sure why. The psychologist Dr. Welles spends a great deal of time with Timothy in order to get him to open up, slowly learning that the boy is a super genius who is constantly having to mask his true identity in order not to embarrass adults or draw too much attention to himself.

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

Published November 1, 1948

About the author

Wilmar House Shiras was born in 1908 in Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent her formative years before moving west to attend the University of California at Berkeley. After completing four years of graduate studies in history, she settled in the neighboring city of Oakland with her husband Russell, where they proceeded to raise five children. It was for her family's entertainment that Shiras first began to create stories. In 1948, at the insistence of her small but loyal audience, she submitted the short story In Hiding to editor John W. Campbell Jr.'s groundbreaking magazine Astounding Science Fiction, which published it in that year's November issue. In Hiding proved to be one of those rare works with which readers felt a deep identification, and over the next two years Shiras built on her success with the sequels Opening Doors and New Foundations (both also published in Astounding Science Fiction). Those three pieces became the first three chapters of Children of the Atom, published by Gnome Press in 1953. Over the decades that followed, this eloquent portrait of gifted children confronting a hostile world proved itself to be an enduring classic.

It has also been credited, though never officially confirmed, with providing the inspiration for Stan Lee and Jack Kirby s world-famous comic book creation, The Uncanny X-Men.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not read the goodreads introduction as it basically gives away the whole story. Seeing the mystery unfold with a generally optimistic tone throughout made it a good quick read.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

“In Hiding” by Wilmar H. Shiras
I enjoyed this. The story is not so much a sci-fi as it is a chronicle of a clinical psychologist's interaction with a child genius, like in “DIBS: IN SEARCH OF SELF” – by Virginia Axline

"He had adjusted to the hardest task of all - that of appearing to be a fairly normal, B-average small boy."
"There's an old story about a man who found himself in a country where everyone else was blind. I’m like that - but they shan't put my eyes out. I’ll never let them know I can see anything."

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this as a kid.

[Vibhor Saxena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short story. Dragged on a tiny bit in the middle but finishes off in style with a satisfying ending

[J_BlueFlower · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Hiding
by Wilmar H. Shiras
Read in
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Two
Oct 2023

Apparently this is the first use of super mutation (from radiation) in science fiction. It seems so from Wikipedia. The story is from 1948 - before Asimov uses the word in Foundation and Empire. It is a powerful concept. Like the vampire in fantasy.

It is best to read the story with no introduction and watch it develop.

Notice Children of the Atom: The book is a collection and expansion of three earlier stories, including "In Hiding". The book is on the "The Most Significant SF & Fantasy Books of the Last 50 Years, 1953–2002."

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The questions this one asked must have been fresh at the time. After all, the The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Two B: The Greatest Science Fiction Novellas of All Time Chosen by the Members of the Science Fiction Writers of America chose it half a century later. So I'm giving it full marks for hitting its target.