The City of Ember
“Thanks to full-blooded characters every bit as compelling as the plot, Lina and Doon’s search parallels the universal adolescent quest for answers. An electric debut!”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred
“Well-paced, this contains a satisfying mystery, a breathtaking escape over rooftops in darkness, a harrowing journey into the unknown, and cryptic messages for readers to decipher. The likable protagonists are not only courageous but also believably flawed by human pride, their weaknesses often complementing each other in interesting ways. The cliffhanger ending will leave readers clamoring for the next installment.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“DuPrau uses the puzzle, suspenseful action, and lots of evil characters to entice readers into the story. They will find the teen characters believable and gutsy. Part mystery, part adventure story. Science fiction for those who do not like science fiction.”
—Voice of Youth Advocates, Starred
“The device of a hidden letter, complete with missing words, is used with such disarming forthrightness that readers will be eagerly deciphering it right alongside Doon and Lina.”
—The Horn Book Magazine
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book
A Kirkus Reviews Editor’s Choice
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Selection
The People of Sparks
“A deftly constructed fable.”
—San Francisco Chronicle
“DuPrau clearly explores themes of nonviolence and when to stand up for oneself. While less gritty and mechanical than Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines and more interpersonal than Lois Lowry’s The Giver and Gathering Blue, this title will hold a similar appeal for readers who enjoy speculative fiction.”
—School Library Journal, Starred
“DuPrau skillfully and confidently develops the idea of scarcity and how human beings react to a depletion of resources. A thought-provoking novel about brinkmanship and the way societies can plant the insidious seeds of war.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This fast-paced tale of post-Apocalyptic strife will resonate with new and returning fans alike.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Engrossing. A satisfying follow-up to the first book.”
—Booklist
The Prophet of Yonwood
“Apropos to what is happening in the world today.”
—Booklist
“This novel has a great deal of immediacy in light of current world events. It sharply brings home the idea of people blindly following a belief without questioning it.”
—School Library Journal
“DuPrau effectively depicts a community in the grip of a millennial fever. A provocative read with an appealingly conflicted protagonist.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Thought-provoking implications in the depiction of a group of people whose desire to protect themselves overtakes the logic of their defenses.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Scary and action-filled.”
—The Horn Book Magazine
The Diamond of Darkhold
“Once again, the teens, both remarkably self-sufficient and imaginative, are able to save themselves and figure out at least a small part of the mystery left behind by the Builders. In doing so, they help their community and ultimately the entire planet. Satisfying, indeed.”
—School Library Journal
“DuPrau keeps the storytelling steady while skillfully casting back to prior books to provide the protagonists (and the reader) with clues to their present quest. The conclusion is everything a series closer should be, satisfying but provocative.”
—The Horn Book Magazine
“Readers will find this fast-paced and clever final installment closer to the original than either of the other sequels and will enjoy the logical future detailed at the end.”
—Kirkus Reviews