The City of Ember: Volume 1

Jeanne DuPrau

May 2003 · Random House Books for Young Readers

About this ebook

A modern-day classic. This highly acclaimed adventure series about two friends desperate to save their doomed city has captivated kids and teachers alike for almost fifteen years and has sold over 3.5 MILLION copies!
 
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 race to figure out the clues before the lights go out on Ember forever!
 
Nominated to 28 State Award Lists!
An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection
A Kirkus Reviews Editors’ Choice
A Child Magazine Best Children’s Book
A Mark Twain Award Winner
A William Allen White Children’s Book Award Winner
 
“A realistic post-apocalyptic world. DuPrau’s book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of undiscovered country and readers wanting more.” —USA Today
 
“An electric debut.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred
 
“While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description.” —VOYA, Starred
 
“A harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred

Ratings and reviews

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. this may be the best book i have ever read. i could just not put it down when i finished i made up many different versions of the ending. i had dreams about this book for weeks! i absolutely loved this book and you will too. i am a complete book worm, i recommend this book to every one, it is a must read. the city of ember is addictive i could just not put it down, it was like i had glued it to my hands!

This book is a great work of children's lit, DuPrau really covers her bases as to the ignorance and innocence of growing up in the City of Ember. Although the book is quite different from the film, it still captivated me as the film did, which is the reason I picked up this book, as many, I'm sure, before me. To live in a dying world where one wonders what lies beyond, if anything, is still a relevant subject that we experience in today's society, though our scope is a bit bigger. This is a really good post-apocalyptic story that pre-teens will enjoy. Heck, I enjoyed it and I'm 26. I'm currently ready People of Sparks and it is just as compelling. The drive is that you know logically what has to happen in order for the people of Ember to survive, but because of their naiveté, you feel like yelling at the page about the simple things we are taught and take for granted. Much subtle appreciation.

It's Assignment Day in the year 241. Each 7th grader is required to choose the job they must fulfill for the rest of their lives. Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow anxiously await their turn to pick their aspired jobs. Sadly, that didn't come true. Instead of being a messenger, Lina had to work in the Pipeworks; meanwhile Doon got to be a Messenger. They both decided to trade jobs and started their duties the very next day and for the rest of their lives. On the other hand, the city of Ember is deteriorating and there's nothing they can do. One day they discover the ancient document made by the Builders, the creators of Ember. It has instructions to "egress" from Ember before it becomes surrounded by darkness. How will they find another light in the dark world? Will the city of Ember cease to exist? This book is so thought-provoking it may even give you a headache. Every corner is full of excitement and adventure. While I read this book my heart almost skipped a beat. This is Alondra from the Readers in Wonderland.

About the author

JEANNE DuPRAU is the New York Times bestselling author of the City of Ember books, which have been translated into multiple languages and are a time-honored staple in elementary school classrooms. She also wrote Escape the Vortex, part of the multiplatform sci-fi adventure series Voyagers. Visit her website at jeanneduprau.com.