Additional reviews:
The City of Ember By: Jeanne Duprau
Recommended by: Anginella A.
Plot:
Deep under the ground, the city of Ember is quickly running out of
electrical power and supplies. The ancient generator that provides the city
with their only source of power is failing, and no one knows how to repair
it. Then twelve-year-old Lina Mayfleet finds a set of instructions that seem
to describe a way out of Ember. But not before her baby sister chews it up,
tearing the paper and making the words unreadable. Together, Lina and her
friend Doon explore the unknown depths of Ember, beneath the city, in the
darkest, gloomiest part of Ember: the Pipeworks where Doon works. Here they
believe they can solve and depict the set of instructions and find a way out
of Ember. However, the power outages have recently begun to occur more and
more, and for longer periods of time. Will Lina and Doon find an escape out
of Ember or will the city run out of electricity forever before the
instructions are solved?
Why Read? It's a quick read, and is easy to
comprehend. If you enjoy science fiction and the story of friendship, this
book is perfect for you.
Recommended
by: Jessie K
Plot: The City of
Ember is the only light in a world of darkness. At least, this is what the
inhabitants of this city believe. The entire city is powered by an
underground generator which makes the light bulbs turn on each day. However,
two young children, Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, have noticed that the
food supplies and the light of the city are becoming more scarce each day.
Together, Doon and Lina decide they must find a way out of the city before
the lights go out forever.
Why read?
The City of Ember
is, admittedly, an "easy read." The intended audience is mainly for young
adults, but high school students can enjoy the story as well because there
are some mature themes found throughout the novel. The concept of the book
is refreshingly original. Although the setting is primarily a physically
dark one, DuPrau's writing style is very descriptive and she creates a vivid
world in the reader’s mind. The main characters, Doon and Lina are realistic
and likeable. As they discover puzzles and try to figure out how to get out
of the city, the readers finds themselves struggling to find the way out
along with them. The ending of this book is an obvious opening for a sequel
so if you enjoy The City of Ember you can continue reading about Lina and
Doon’s adventures. A detailed map showing the streets and buildings in the
City of Ember is an enjoyable bonus.