Module 8: City of Ember

DuPrau, J. (2003). The City of Ember. New York: Random House.

Summary
In this post-apocalyptic saga, a group of survivors creates a society underground and then the history of their story is lost through the generations. As the main characters Lina and Doon get their work assignment they find that their city is losing power and that time is running out for its resources. They do not know that there is something else out there other than the life and environment that they know and so must try and seek the truth of their history so they can save their people.

My Impressions
This is such a compelling story. From the beginning readers are unaware of where the city of Ember is located and are drawn into this story that is narrated by Lina and Doon. The two search for answers despite living in a society where knowledge of the past is limited and technological understanding is non-existent. Part mystery, part dystopian society, this book kept me guessing and was unique and very memorable.

Professional Reviews
In her electric debut, DuPrau imagines a post-apocalyptic underground world where resources are running out. The city of Ember, "the only light in the dark world," began as a survival experiment created by the "Builders" who wanted their children to "grow up with no knowledge of a world outside, so that they feel no sorrow for what they have lost." An opening prologue describes the Builders' intentions-that Ember's citizens leave the city after 220 years. They tuck "The Instructions" to a way out within a locked box programmed to open at the right time. But the box has gone astray. The story opens on Assignment Day in the year 241, when 12-year-olds Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow draw lots for their jobs from the mayor's bag. Lina gets "pipeworks laborer," a job that Doon wants, while Doon draws "messenger," the job that Lina covets, and they trade. Through their perspectives, DuPrau reveals the fascinating details of this subterranean community: as Doon repairs leaks deep down among the Pipeworks, he also learns just how dire the situation is with their malfunctioning generator. Meanwhile, the messages Lina carries point to other sorts of subterfuge. Together, the pair become detectives in search of the truth-part of which may be buried in some strange words that were hidden in Lina's grandmother's closet. Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon's search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. Readers will sit on the edge of their seats as each new truth comes to light. Ages 10-13. --Publishers Weekly, May 2003. (Retrieved from http://catalog.lapl.org/carlweb/)

Suggested Use in Library
A great book to recommend to children looking for a fantasy with some elements of mystery. It's also a wonderful book to recommend to children who are interested in understanding more about electricity and the importance of its invention. This would make a great pick for book of the month for a library book reading group.

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SLIS 5420/Module 8, Book 1
Fantasy and Science Fiction
October 11-17, 2010