My Words on Children's Literature

Genre 6 FICTION, FANTASY, & YA

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Duprau, Jeanne. 2004. THE CITY OF EMBER. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN 0375822747

Read by Wendy Dillon. 2006. Listening Library (Audio). ISBN0739331671

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The city of Ember is a dark, decaying place with no natural light isolated by the vast Unknown. There are problems in Ember. Electric lighting sometimes fails, supplies are dwindling, and the citizens are uneasy and uncertain. Twelve year old Doon and his friend Lina are certain there is a way to save Ember. After Lina finds a scrap of paper with parts of a message on it, they figure out the missing letters and words. They discover the way out of Ember.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is fantasy, and while some may think it is disturbing and steer younger readers away from it, I found it to be a great adventure. The thoughtful study of human nature coupled with believable characters will pull readers into the story. Readers get a sense of Lina's courageous spirit when she explores the Gathering Hall and ends up on the roof. "I was just curious," said Lina..."Curiosity leads to trouble," said Redge Stabmark. This is such a clever story filled with mysteries that unravel as one listens or reads. One favorite is when Lina analyzes Lizzie's story about the canned fruit. "You simply did not find cans of peaches and applesauce and creamed corn on the back shelves of markets. Lizzie was lying." The elements of the story unfold gradually and the reader will be delighted at each new realization. The last chapter reveals mean answers, and then ends with the anticipation of the next book. What a great way to keep kids reading!

The audio book is filled with wonderful voices. The mayor of Ember is breathless and overweight and we hear this in his (her) voice. There are many characters in this story and Dillon is able to make each one unique. This book has a sequel and readers will be looking for it.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

VOYA: “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.”

Kirkus: “The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.”

Audiofile: “Wendy Dillon's rich, throaty tones describing Ember's domescape are gloomily impeccable. She slips in and out of preadolescent voices with ease and manages to create an atmosphere of hope in the midst of desolation.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Discuss courage and personal responsibility to make things right.

*Divide into small groups and develop a unique society.

Other related books:

Stemp, Jane. WATERBOUND. ISBN0803719949

Nix, Garth. SHADE’S CHILDREN. ISBN0064471969

// posted by catalogblog @ 10:37 AM