Ember is an underground, post-apocalyptic city that is run completely by electricity generated through the Pipeworks. The city is only a few generations old, but already any knowledge of a world beyond Ember has been lost except for a set of instructions for escape enclosed in a box that has been passed through the mayors but never opened since the cities establishment. We are introduced to Ember through the experience of 12 year-old Lina Mayfleet, an orphan who has just begun her job as a Messenger for the city.
Shortly after the story begins Ember begins to fall apart. Supplies are scarce, the generator is dying, and it becomes clear that before long Ember will perish. As a messenger, Lina works closely with several members of the city, taking correspondence back and forth between the citizens, including the Mayor. Lina begins to piece together the secret to escaping Ember, as well as the secret to the city's history. The series of events that occur after this discovery ultimately decide the fate of the dying community.
This novel is a page-turner. It's a pretty easy read, something I would suggest students grade 7 and up read on their own. I don't think that I would choose to build a unit around this book, but I do think that it serves as interesting and valuable reading material that has the potential to make even the most hesitant child enjoy reading.
*This novel now has two sequels, and a film version has been made!
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