The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues before the lights go out on Ember forever

Nominated to 28 State Award Lists
An American Library Association Notable Children's Book
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection
A Kirkus Reviews Editors' Choice
A Child Magazine Best Children's Book
A Mark Twain Award Winner
A William Allen White Children's Book Award Winner

"A realistic post-apocalyptic world. DuPrau's book leaves Doon and Lina on the verge of undiscovered country and readers wanting more." --USA Today

"An electric debut." --Publishers Weekly, Starred

"While Ember is colorless and dark, the book itself is rich with description." --VOYA, Starred

"A harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred