289 pages - The world before the city of Ember, as we know, was in turmoil.  Eleven year old Nickie and her aunt travel to Yonwood, North Carolina, to ready the family home for sale.  The town "prophet" has had a terrible vision.  Nickie being left alone because her aunt is very busy, explores the town and her great-grandfather’s belongings.  Nickie learns some lessons both good and bad.  The topics in this book with our current fear of terrorism really hits home.  The only disappointment was the rush to tie things up on how the city of Ember was established in the last chapter.    

On pages 253-254, Nickie wonders, "All the fighting nations said God was on their side.  How could God be on everyone’s side?"  Have you ever wondered about this as well? 

289 pages - Just before his 13th birthday, Jeremy receives mail. When he opens the package it is a box which says, "The Meaning of Life. For Jeremy Fink. 13th Birthday."  The box is secured by an intricate locking system which needs some keys.  The keys to the box are not included.  The box is from Jeremy's father, who is no longer alive.  It was mailed by a lawyer hired to send it to Jeremy for his 13th birthday.  Jeremy and his best friend and neighbor Lizzie have quite an adventurous summer.  Lizzie is bold and daring, unlike Jeremy.  He is lucky to have a friend to help and encourage him.  Some times in life you have to take chances.  They meet new and interesting people, learn many things along the way and in the end, yes, the meaning of life!
If you were to make a memory box, what would you put in it and who would you want to save it for?
 

252 pages-The Emberites find themselves at the mercy of the people of Sparks.  The people of Sparks are generous to share food, shelter and above ground skills but, they are skeptical and a bit afraid.  Each group has their own sets of skills to share and working together they discover they can accomplish great things.  Lina and Doon again show how courageous they can be.  Brings back memories of how ignorance and jealousy can destroy a civilization.  A great story.  How do you think you would deal with having to move from your world and be the stranger in need in a new one?  OR, having a group of 400 people show up in your little town needing your help?