Book: The People of Sparks

[Erudite]

Title: The People of Sparks
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Genre: Adolescent Fiction
Pages: about 200

This is the 2nd book in the Ember series. I needed a light read this past week and this fit the bill. The City of Ember dies in the in first book and some of the people find their way out. Ember was underground and we learn in this 2nd book, that it was underground because the founders feared that humanity might be annihilated...and it nearly was. All that are left are small villages of people who don't have very much. So when the 400 people from Ember arrive in a village with just 300 people, it's a bit disconcerting.

The story is about how they learn to live together despite their differences and the fact that the Emberites came with almost nothing and the people of Sparks must share everything with them as well as teach them how to survive on their own. At least that is the initial plan. But things change as time goes on. Relations deteroriate to the point of near warfare between the two groups but in the end they realize they are stronger together.

This is a fantastic book for both boys and girls. It is well-suited for a younger reader who is into chapter books. It would be especially helpful to a child who was "warring" with siblings, because the main characters learn how to circumvent "war" by doing good deeds. A discussion on that element of the story could be valuable to children. A discussion on "not judging" based on appearances could also come from the book. Also, the problems with telling lies and how lies can become bigger than you think might be interesting. All-in-all, an excellent story with much to learn from.

You do need to read the first book to really get some of the things in the 2nd book.

[natickgirl]

My kids & I enjoyed read all three books in the City of Ember series before we knew it was being made into a movie. (The 3rd book is the Prophesy of Yonwood--or however it's spelled.) All three books were quite interesting, and had a good message. It was interesting to read about the people of Sparks & of the City of Ember being so resourceful...it never hurts children to learn about not wasting resources!