"The City of Ember"

?The City of Ember" is the first Book of Ember written by New York Times bestselling author, Jeanne DuPrau.  Although this book is geared towards youth ages 9-12, I became interested in reading it after my 10 year old granddaughter started reading the series.  I'm always intrigued by any book that interests children and youth and excites them to read because I fear handheld games and other electronic devices may discourage reading in our next generation.  Fortunately, the school my grandchildren attend encourages daily reading!

Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow are young citizens of the city of Ember who have just finished their schooling and have been assigned their lifetime work.  When Lina draws the dreaded job of pipeworks laborer instead of the messenger job she wants, she is very disappointed.  She is a fast runner and feels the job of messenger suits her better than working in damp tunnels deep underground.

Doon Harrow draws the job of messenger and he asks Lina to trade which she does willingly.  Doon is concerned about the deterioration of Ember and the only light available in the city comes from the underground generator.  Doon has some ideas of his own about how to fix it so the lights won't keep flickering and eventually thrust the whole city into darkness.

Meanwhile, the two young people discover some alarming facts about what is really going on in the city of Ember among its highest officials and their attempts to let the citizens know about this deceit only places them on the wrong side of the authorities and they find themselves fleeing to escape jail.

Where will they go and how will it affect everyone in Ember?  You'll have to read for yourself to find out what happens....pazt