The City of Ember

     This week I decided to start reading The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. This book is the first book in the series and is also a movie. The book is about a community that lives underground because the earth is unlivable. The plot revolves around two twelve-year-olds Lina and Doon. They both figure out that their underground town is dying and running out of supplies. When they both get their jobs that year they use them to their advantage to help save everyone. Lina is a runner who runs messages from person to person. She uses this to learn information and Doon is a pipeworks laborer. He uses this job to get close to the generator that keeps their town alive. Doon and Lina had decided to switch jobs to get what they have now. Doon wanted to switch so he could get closer to the generators. He explains, "Trade jobs. I don't want to waste my time being a messenger. I want to help save the city, not run around carrying gossip" (DuPrau 15). Lina gladly accepted because being a messenger is what she has always dreamed of being.
     I am only about halfway through the book but I am very excited to learn about what is going to happen! I love that the characters are middle schooler. This shows kids that you don't have to older to save the day. It doesn't matter if you are saving a town or standing up to a bully in school. I love the message and the story itself. It is full of mystery and surprises. Every page we are introduced to new characters and new information.
     The questions I have just keep adding up with each chapter. When reading the instructions I have to wonder what is in the box! How does Lina's grandma remember and know about the box? What is in the Unknown Regions? Do they go to the surface? I can't wait to read on and find out!