Synopses & Reviews
The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever! This stunning debut novel offers refreshingly clear writing and fascinating, original characters.
Synopsis
DuPrau's first foray into fiction creates a realistic post-apocalyptic world where everyone has lived underground for so long that they assume it has always been that way. . . . Reminiscent of post-apocalypse fiction like Robert O'Brien's Z for Zachariah, DuPrau's book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of the undiscovered country and readers wanting more.--USA Today
The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.--Starred, Kirkus Reviews
While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description. . . . Part mystery, part adventure story, this novel provides science fiction for those who do not like science fiction.--Starred, VOYA
From the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
In the year 241, twelve-year-old Lina trades jobs on Assignment Day to be a Messenger to run to new places in her decaying but beloved city, perhaps even to glimpse Unknown Regions.
About the Author
Jeanne DuPrau has written several books of nonfiction for children and adults. She has been a teacher, an editor, and a technical writer. The City of Ember is her first novel for middle graders. She is currently working on the sequel at her home in Menlo Park, California, where she keeps a big garden and a small dog.
Table of Contents
Assignment day -- A message to the mayor -- Under Ember --Something lost, nothing found -- On night street -- The box in the closet -- A message full of holes -- Explorations -- The door in the roped-off tunnel -- Blue sky and goodbye -- Lizzie's groceries -- A dreadful discovery -- Deciphering the message -- The way out -- A desperate run -- The singing -- Away -- Where the river goes -- A world of light -- The last message.