Ember is a city where the sky is always dark. The beginning of The City of Ember leaves the reader wondering about some of the unusual happenings in Ember. Everyone has a job in order to keep the city working. However, it becomes apparent that the city is dying. Lena and Doon are friends from school and work together to learn the long lost secrets of Ember. Can they help save their city before it dies? How can they escape the darkness that threatens to overcome them?

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and will keep you turning the pages. It is actually a science fiction book, but reads like an adventure novel. There are lessons of friendship, perseverance, and courage. It is a appropriate and very appealing for boys and girls in upper elementary grades. It is written at about a fifth grade reading level.