Fantastic People, Places, and Things

MODULE 8: FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION

October 19-25

The City of Ember

By: Jeanne DuPrau

Ages: 9-14

Summary:

Although considered a selection from the science fiction genre, this book is more than just science fiction. It is a work of fiction that could also fall into the mystery category as the two principal characters Doon and Lina, struggle to unravel the mystery of the city of Ember. The prologue gives the reader that insight that there is a set of instructions that has been misplaced. The book begins with a flash forward to the year 241. It is graduation day, and the students receive their work assignments. Doon has a fiery, passionate, and sensitive nature and strongly desires to solve the problems of Ember, while Lina begins as a happy messenger and soon learns that all is not right in Ember. They reignite their old friendship and begin working together when Poppy, Lina's baby sister, nearly destroys the old typewritten set of instructions found in Lina's closet. They slowly manage to piece together the message and discover the way out of Ember.

My Impressions:

I found this book to be very enjoyable. I really liked the characters and how they developed and grew over time. Lina and Doon were all very believable, realistic, and almost lifelike. I understood Doon's frustrations, and felt sadness for Lina when her grandmother died. Even though this is a science fiction novel, the events really seemed plausible to me. It was interesting and well written, and I found myself wondering what would happen in the future books of the series.

Reviews:

"Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown and cryptic messages for readers to decipher. The setting is well-realized with the constraints of life in the city intriguingly detailed. The likable protagonists are not only courageous but also believably flawed by human pride, their weaknesses often complementing each other in interesting ways. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment."-Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2003 (Vol. 71, No. 10)

Lesson Plans:

This book provides a great opportunity to examine books and films created from books. After reading the book, students will view the movie, and determine the similarities and differences. This comparison will provide the basis for a good discussion on books and movies.

DuPrau, Jeanne. The City of Ember. New York: Random House, 2003.

Kirkus Reviews. "Children's Literature Reviews: City of Ember." Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. November 24, 2009.