The Prophet of Yonwood

This is book #3 of the series. It is a prequel to City of Ember. It shows one small town 50 years before people went to live in the City of Ember. Nickie is 11, and she grows up to be the one that wrote the diary that Doon and Lina find on their way out.

I was a little concerned that this book was heading toward making fun of religion, you know false prophets, false hope, etc. But I think it is a good story to match the first two. It has a pretty happy ending too.

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

We read this book for bookclub this month, and I really liked it! It has a similiar feel to Little House on the Prairie, and These is My Words. But it takes place later, during World War I. The author, Kirby Larson, is from Kenmore! It won a Newberry Honor award, and is written for young adults, maybe even older elementary kids.

The author heard stories of her Great-grandma homesteading in Montana, and started researching. I think it is well-written, and has lots of interesting historical information, without sounding like a history book.

The characters were well developed. I loved the family of friends that Hattie found in Montana. Just a warning, this book made me cry. It could have been worse, but there are some SAD parts. I liked the character of Hattie, and her swift sincere prayers. There are some sweet magical moments.

I hope you'll read and enjoy this book.

PS. There are two recipes in the back. Aminda made Perilee's Wartime Spice Cake, and MMMMM it was good!

People of Sparks

This is the sequel to City of Ember, and I liked it just as much. I think it has some thought-provoking ideas about what leads to war, and choosing the right thing even if it is hard. But keep in mind that it is a children's book, so you've probably thought the thoughts before. I'm an adult and I still really enjoyed it. I do think you should read the books in order to thoroughly appreciate them.

When the two civilizations come together, it is interesting what is of value to each. What they have and what they need. A little bit of brain versus brawn, but it's more complicated than that.

I liked the symbolism of the weather. The season's changing, the wind bring change.

Doon and Lina emerge the heroes again. There are some interesting new characters. Over all I just think its a great book. Probably for 9 and up.

Some quotes:

"Being good is hard, much harder than being bad."

"You don't want to, but you do it anyway."

"He hadn't really imagined what fighting would be like."
(Again I really liked Doon's father's simple wisdom.)

"She had hoped that someone else might to do, so she wouldn't have to, but nobody did."