<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <title>Class Discussion of Jeanne DuPrue's &quot;The City of Ember&quot;</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> </head> <body> <table width=650 border=1 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=0 bordercolor="#333333" bgcolor=#000000> <tr bgcolor=#0000a0> <td><font size=1 face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" color="#f7f7f7"><b>Author</b></font></td> <td width="577"><font size=1 face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" color="#f7f7f7"><b>Message</b></font></td> </tr> <!--Post: 183--> <!--Time: 1074568109--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Cherri</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 10:08 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau engages the reader right away with mysterious questions: Who is leaving the instructions? Why are the instructions necessary? Will the instructions be found at the right time? The introduction ends: The box ended up at the back of a closet, shoved behind some old bags and bundles. There it sat, unnoticed, year after year, until its time arrived, and the lock quietly clicked open. &#40;3&#41; This introduction alone is enough to draw in readers who enjoy a mystery and others who simply want to know what happens. <BR> <BR> The main characters, Doon and Lina, have joint and individual adventures in the story. These characters are well-drawn and should appeal to both male and female readers. Linas sister, Poppy, has a role. Adults are included, such as Doons father, Linas granny, and Mrs. Murdo. Some of the other adult characters such as the Mayor are less appealing. <BR> <BR> This seems to me a coming-of-age story, for Doon and Lina are finished with school and ready to take their places in the Ember workforce. During the story, they grow up in other ways besides taking jobs, for they learn that not everyone speaks the truth or works for the common good. Both Lina and Doon have to use their own wisdom, determination, and experience to save themselves and Poppy by finding a way out of the city and to provide ultimate hope for Ember itself: Mrs. Murdo finds the bundle they have sent back to Ember, including the instructions for a way out. &#40;269-270&#41; <BR> <BR> Summary: well-written and appealing; DePrau does a particularly fine job in this first novel. <BR> <BR> Cherri <BR> <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 183--> <!--Post: 187--> <!--Time: 1074609587--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 09:39 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Thanks, Cherri for opening up the discussion. <BR> <BR> Everyone, please read my post for Canning Season for a little more instruction on how we should conduct our discussion here. Those who have negative things to say can just post an &#34;ok, I hear you&#34; and later when we are ready for the criticism, will have a chance to present your cases. Of course, one can be both positve and negative about each and every single book!! <BR> <BR> -- Roxanne <BR> <BR> <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 187--> <!--Post: 188--> <!--Time: 1074609670--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 09:41 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Since so many of us have nominated this book, I would like to hear everyone&#39;s opinions on the strength of this title. <BR> <BR> I, for one, thought that the adventures are riveting. I could not put down the book, eager to find what&#39;s happening next and next and next. <BR> <BR> I also thought that because of the quick succession of many action-packed scenes, this title has a strong child appearl. <BR> <BR> -- Roxanne <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 188--> <!--Post: 193--> <!--Time: 1074613282--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Katrina</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 10:41 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I found the setting for the story riveting; a city that has no natural light. The imagination is so totally engaged. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 193--> <!--Post: 205--> <!--Time: 1074624894--> <!--p:--> <!--/Post: 205--> <!--Post: 206--> <!--Time: 1074625028--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Susan</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 01:57 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I was hooked by the endpapers. I have a fondness for maps &#40; e.g., My Father&#39;s Dragon, Wind in the Willows, etc&#41; so I was ready to like the book. <BR> <BR> There was just enough mystery to keep you guessing, yet not so much that I felt frustrated. The setting was crafted so well. I even felt smug when my theories about the city being underground were validated. The author did a fabulous job of creating the scene. Almost like you could feel the rock. And the darkness. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 206--> <!--Post: 210--> <!--Time: 1074628911--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Moira</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:01 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I admit that I couldn&#39;t put this book down either. I found the imagery of a city in perpetual dark so fascinating. The mystery Doon and Lina had to solve was very well paced and the characters showed the many sides of human nature. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 210--> <!--Post: 211--> <!--Time: 1074629372--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Jenn</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:09 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> <b>City of Ember</b> left me pondering it long after I finished the last page. DuPrau successfully creates a shadow-filled world belowground for the readers. I felt her open ending was the perfect way to close this novel. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 211--> <!--Post: 216--> <!--Time: 1074631010--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Katrina</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:36 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> The endpapers? maps? <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 216--> <!--Post: 217--> <!--Time: 1074631113--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Shirley</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 03:38 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I really love this book. I was hooked by the lost papers at the beginning. Lina and Doon are so real and so typical. I found myself experiencing the horror of a world going dark and the frustration of being unable to change it. I imagined the heartwrenching reality of those who wrote the &#34;The Last Message.&#34; The description of the world on top is breathtaking and I love the ending. One can only hope for a sequel, but if that doesn&#39;t happen we can make our own sequel in our minds. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 217--> <!--Post: 221--> <!--Time: 1074633905--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Jane</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 04:25 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> My book had a map on the back cover - not the endpapers. I found myself totally caught up in what the characters were &#40;or weren&#39;t&#41; doing. Sometimes I just wanted to shake them to get them to realize what was going on &#40;no - I don&#39;t really go around shaking kids!&#41; At any rate the extent of my involvement in their lives pointed up the author&#39;s skill in creating a believable world with believable characters. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 221--> <!--Post: 224--> <!--Time: 1074636835--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Wendy</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 05:13 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Newbery criteria necessitates the committee members to interpret the theme or concept. The idea of a utopian society where a people live and breathe as instructed, until a young boy and girl enter the workforce screams child appeal. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 224--> <!--Post: 228--> <!--Time: 1074637759--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 05:29 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Thanks, Wendy, for reminding us of the criteria. <BR> <BR> I take that you think child appeal a positive aspect of the book? <BR> <BR> -- Roxanne <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 228--> <!--Post: 230--> <!--Time: 1074638742--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Rachel</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 05:45 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I agree that setting is the strong point of City. I can still picture the dingy, flickering lights and the pipe system underground. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 230--> <!--Post: 234--> <!--Time: 1074642031--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Susan</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 06:40 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Yep, a map, with streets and the school and the pipeworks. I think child appeal is a strong point. Two independent 12 yr olds who have positive relations with the adults in their lives, both action-oriented, take-charge types. They know right from wrong, stuggle with choices, take responsibility. Boys and girls can identify. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 234--> <!--Post: 243--> <!--Time: 1074652404--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 09:33 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Thank you all for the comments so far... I think it is time for dissents to be heard. <BR> <BR> If you have any concerns regarding the literary quality of this book, please start posting now. <BR> <BR> I feel that this reminder is still in need: &#40;I&#39;m sorry if this sounds like a broken record, but, hey, that&#39;s why we are all here for!&#41; <BR> <BR> For whatever you are going to write down, make sure that each point is well-reasoned and supported by specific examples from the book! <BR> <BR> -- Roxanne <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 243--> <!--Post: 247--> <!--Time: 1074655091--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Rachel</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 10:18 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I felt the ending was contrived. I didn&#39;t feel like it was believable that Lina would forget to pass on her knowledge of how to escape. I also felt their coincidental discovery of the hole over Ember was ridiculous, not to mention the note that finds its way to Mrs. Murdo&#39;s feet. I think such a coincidence would be more believable in a tale that invoked magic, maybe like a Goose Girl type of story, not a science fiction story. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 247--> <!--Post: 250--> <!--Time: 1074657584--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Ellen</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 10:59 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I agree that the setting is amazing. Although this is not my favorite genre, I was hooked from the beginning. <BR> The hopeful ending is also a plus. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 250--> <!--Post: 251--> <!--Time: 1074659035--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - 11:23 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Rachel, <BR> <BR> I am with you on the problem with the ending. I feel that the author is setting up for a sequel &#40;and I did not want a sequel to this really powerful entity&#41; and the fantastic coincidence breaks the credibility that she manages to maintain fairly well throughout the book, until these last couple of pages. I remember thinking, &#34;Aw, what an awkward way to end this otherwise quite believable tale...&#34; <BR> <BR> It still r <BR> <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 251--> <!--Post: 264--> <!--Time: 1074692956--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Susan</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 08:49 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Mrs. Murdo was such a solid character that there was a satisfaction when the rock landed in front of her. The reader can rely on her to be reasoned in her handling of the situation &#40;as she was with Lina and Poppy, as she was with her tidy apt.&#41; and I felt confident that the citizens of Ember would eventually find their way back up to the surface. The book cover did say the author was working on a sequel.&#40;I would read one about how Mrs. Murdo and Doon&#39;s dad and the greenhouse lady lead the people out of Ember, and another about how they resettle above ground, and in my experience, children would want to,too.&#41; While I understand from Roxanne&#39;s comments that the book in hand is only what the committee considers, is anticipation of more titles or sequels a compelling reason to consider a book for an award in light of the criteria? <BR> <BR> &#40;The city map was in the book-not the endpapers. I had left my book at home, and checked it to make sure I hadn&#39;t drawn the map in my imagination!&#41; <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 264--> <!--Post: 278--> <!--Time: 1074717632--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Laura</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 03:40 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I felt the whole concept was incredibly creative. The characters were strong yet varied. I was really blown away at the end when they read the journal and described how the people were brought to the city to set up the community. I also think the kid appeal was high and that both boys and girls would be interested seeing that the lead characters were both. <BR> <BR> And yes although I nominated this book and really loved it, I do think it wrapped up too nicely at the end. I was a bit disappointed when Mrs. Murdo let Poppy go with Lina and no questions asked. The stumbling on the hole to Ember didn&#39;t bother me at the end, I figured it would be obvious seeing that it was so hard to get out, the irony that this whole time they were underground, it was so obvious above ground. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 278--> <!--Post: 280--> <!--Time: 1074718251--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 03:50 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Susan asked: <BR> <BR> &#34;is anticipation of more titles or sequels a compelling reason to consider a book for an award in light of the criteria?&#34; <BR> <BR> I would say no -- unless it takes away something from the book. When THE GIVER was awarded, no one knew &#40;and I don&#39;t think Lowry herself knew&#41; that there would be a sequel. The ending of The Giver is ambiquous and powerful and it did not hurt the book. <BR> <BR> However, if this &#34;anticipation&#34; detracts from the quality of the book, we must consider it. <BR> <BR> This is true for a book in a series -- does a 3rd book in a 4-book series stand alone as a complete lierary whole or is it lacking in &#34;integrity?&#34; <BR> <BR> Being in a series does not disqualify the book and should not hurt its chance of winning, as long as the work itself can withstand scrutiny. Does this make sense? <BR> <BR> -- Roxanne <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 280--> <!--Post: 289--> <!--Time: 1074728271--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Rachel</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 06:37 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> The end seemed like it was created in order to lead into a sequel, not because it was a solid ending. Definitely a drawback to me. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 289--> <!--Post: 294--> <!--Time: 1074732908--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Jane</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 07:55 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I, too, felt that the ending was a bit contrived, but then the whole situation was somewhat unbelievable. I kept thinking throughout the book that it didn&#39;t seem feasible that no one in all those years developed a flashlight or a match. These people seemed to have no curiosity or &#34;gumption&#34; and that didn&#39;t seem possible to me. The diary at the end explained it to some degree, but I still couldn&#39;t entirely buy into it. All these questions didn&#39;t keep me from getting caught up in the story, however, and enjoying the concept DuPrau created. I didn&#39;t mind having a little hope at the end of what was a somewhat dark story, even if it was too coincidental. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 294--> <!--Post: 307--> <!--Time: 1074745993--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 11:33 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I really enjoyed reading this book during the process of reading it. However, I do have quite a few questions and concerns: <BR> <BR> 1. Like Jane, I did not quite believe that in all those years no one figured out that they can use thread/yarn/fabric/oil to prolong the life of fire. <BR> <BR> 2. I found it TOO convenient that the little sister simply PUNCTURED the instruction and eliminated all the crucial letters/words. So the plot twist/advancement relies too heavily on a very fragile contrivance. <BR> <BR> 3. The Diary is also too conveniently left for the protagonists / readers to understand everything. It feels like an easy way out. <BR> <BR> 4. If there IS an opening of the underground world, and they can SEE so clearly down and drop something as light as a piece of paper into the City, isn&#39;t it possible that some outside elements would have entered The City in all those years? <BR> <BR> Like I said, I liked the book and thought that many children will enjoy it for the adventures and the mystery -- but, it leaves too many logical holes upon further reflection. <BR> <BR> -- Roxanne <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 307--> <!--Post: 315--> <!--Time: 1074776211--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Shirley</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 07:56 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Wow, those are really good questions. I guess I was really suspending disbelief. But to answer a couple, I think the people were just so accepting and unquestioning of their existence. They didn&#39;t want change. It took the children to search and to question. Didn&#39;t they wrap the paper around a rock so it would drop. Again, the way out was so easy. That lends to the absurdity of the situation. A way out could have been found, but no one was looking. In life, so often people are so accepting of less than pleasant circumstances and do not take advantage of easy ways to escape. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 315--> <!--Post: 320--> <!--Time: 1074789906--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top width=69>Susan</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 11:45 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Shirley, I am nodding in agreement with your thoughtful comments. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <!--/Post: 320--> <!--Post: 391--> <!--Time: 1074911200--> <!--p:--> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top width=69>Moira</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Friday, January 23, 2004 - 09:26 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Thinking back, I am wondering why if there was opening between Ember and the world above, why didn&#39;t anyone notice a pinpoint of light in the sky during all those blackouts? <BR> I agree with Shirley in her thoughts that people are often more willing to accept what they are given in life than to try to think outside the box and change their circumstances, and for Ember, it took two children with an intense desire to save the citizens to find that way out. <!--/Text--> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top>Jenn</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 11:31 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> Im lobbying on behalf of Jeanne DuPraus <b>City of Ember</b>. I believe that City of Ember is the most distinguished title of the fifteen we were required to read for this Institute. ALA defines distinguished as being individually distinct and marked by conspicuous excellence. I believe that DuPraus novel meets these high criteria. <BR> <BR> The characters are believable and complex. The novels quest plot makes this fantasy a quick-moving read. The book reads like a work of science fiction since it is so detailed but should be classified as a modern fantasy. DuPrau successfully keeps the reader in suspense about their true location, while offering the reader hints along the way, until the close of the novel. She paces the action well and her writing style is brimming with rich imagery. <BR> <BR> The open ending empowers the reader to make their own decision about the residents of the City of Ember and the fate of Lina, Doon and Poppy. <BR> <BR> This book will appeal to many children with its mysterious setting, action-packed plot and well-developed characters. <BR> <!--/Text--> </font></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top>Shirley</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 09:56 pm: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I agree with Jenn. This was the first of the books that I read and my feeling did not change as I read the others. Actually I read Despereaux earlier in the year, but this was the first as I began reading for this committee. <BR> <BR> The characters are very believable living in an unreal but again believable world. I could so identify with the darkness beyond--reminded me as a child in the country of just how far the lights in our yard went and the eerie darkness beyond. I can believe that the people of Ember just didn&#39;t want change and it took the children to make that effort. I loved the language as they discovered grass and sunlight for the first time. And then the ambiguity surrounding their future. <BR> <BR> I think City of Ember is a book that many children can enjoy and learn from. It provides a lot of food for thought. <!--/Text--> </font></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#f7f7f7"> <td valign=top>Roxanne</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 10:02 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I don&#39;t know whether I can completely agree that City of Ember has &#34;conspicuous excellence.&#34; I enjoyed this book tremendously when reading it and thought that children would definitely love it. <BR> <BR> However, in the last couple of weeks, in comparison to some other titles that have finely crafted language, entirely unique characters, and tightly constructed plots, I started wondering about whether this book measures up. <!--/Text--> </font></td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#cccccc"> <td valign=top>Jane</td> <td valign=top><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2"> <table width=100% border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0> <tr> <td align=left><font face="Verdana,Arial,Helvetica" size="2">Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 10:17 am: &nbsp;&nbsp;</font></td> <td align=right></td> </tr> </table> <hr noshade size=0> <!--Text--> I&#39;ve been trying to compare City and Milkweed. I see problems with both - City for its somewhat pat ending and certain unbelievable aspects to the story &#40;ie how those people could live such an unquestioning existence for that amount of time&#41;. Milkweed&#39;s ending is also weak in its own way. It seemed rushed, not nearly as well developed as the rest of the book, sort of a quickie wrap up. Both books made us look at society and human nature. Of the two I think Milkweed had the more distictive narrative voice. <!--/Text--> </font></td> </tr> </table> <p></td></tr> </p> <center><a href=home.html>Back to Newbery Workshop</a> | <a href=http://www.fairrosa.info>Back to Fairrosa Cyber Library Home</a></center> <!-- Start of StatCounter Code --> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript"> var sc_project=1822430; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_partition=13; var sc_security="8bb42262"; </script> <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://www.statcounter.com/counter/counter.js"></script><noscript><a href="http://www.statcounter.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://c14.statcounter.com/counter.php?sc_project=1822430&amp;java=0&amp;security=8bb42262&amp;invisible=1" alt="web page hit counter" border="0"></a> </noscript> <!-- End of StatCounter Code --> </body> </html>