Author:Jeanne DuPrau
When the people of the underground city of Ember follow Lina and Doon to the surface, little prepares them for what they will encounter. Leaving behind the darkness that has been their home for generations, they discover a world of colour, warmth and light. The people of the small village of Sparks seem willing to help them . . . at first . . . but life on the surface has it's dark side too.
Before long the villagers of Sparks become more reluctant to share their precious resources with the strange, new underground people. Lina and Doon watch in horror as the differences between the two groups grow into resentment, anger and hate. Somehow they must help overcome the distrust and bring the people of Ember and Sparks together.
Jeanne DuPrau has written one of the most important fables of our time, addressing both our fear of annihilation and of immigration, and she has done it with captivating grace and style . . . The People of Sparks is full of suspense and asks good questions about what we owe each other in a community
—— Amanda Craig , The TimesThe anti-war message of The People of Sparks is more valid now than ever before
—— AchukaThe second in the trilogy but deserves to be read in its own right . . . It has a powerful message for now. Jeanne DuPrau has embedded a topical issue into a completely credible future
—— Mary Hoffman , TESThis is a gripping thriller with a biting message - violence has consequences. Well worth reading
—— Fiona Lowe , The School LibrarianInteresting and often provocative
—— Clodagh Corcoran , InisFluent readers from 8-11 yrs who enjoy flights of imagination and earthy humour will like both the story and accompanying line drawings
—— Sybil Hannavy , School Library Association