The Giver- Lois Lowry

Beautifully written novel. Jonas is living in a society with no worries, no harm, no feelings.

The City of Ember

Brief Synopsis :

The City of Ember is an underground city that is full of mystery. The only light in the city comes from flood lights that are attached to poles which are scarcely scattered throughout the city. The lights are powered by a mysterious generator and a river located in the underground pipeworks. No one in years has figured out how it works. No one knows what is outside of the City of Ember as is it too dark and dangerous to leave. As resources are starting to deplete and desperation leads to the beginnings of destruction, Lina, the main character, finds a mysterious latched box with directions that will help to save the people of Ember.

Ms. Z's review:

I found this book pretty dull after reading the Hunger Games. Although there were similarities between the two series, a mysterious unknown, corruption of the government, rebellion and teamwork, I had hoped that Duprau would have spent more time developing the relationships between the characters and more time adding some suspense to a fairly uneventful novel. I thought the story had a great potential but it was overly simplified. Besides, I find it hard to believe that after hundreds of years no one could figure out how to power the city.... what message is that sending? I found mixed reviews online. This ma ybe a good book to read to 4th and 5th graders.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Review by Ms. Z
Young Adult

Brief Synopsis:

Katniss Everdeen is living in one of the twelve districts controlled by the capitol. Every year the capitol selects children ages 12-18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a battle to the death, in the nations grand futuristic arena. This year Katniss, and one other from her district, Peeta Mellark, the baker's son.