Home › Books for Ages 9–12 › The City of Ember

The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE

Award Winner Critically Recognized

A failing light and a hidden message

Regular price $12.56 USD
Regular price $20.94 USD Sale price $12.56 USD
Save 40%

Paperback New English

Format

Print BookAvailable Hardcover $18.12 USD$30.21 USD
Print BookCurrently viewing Paperback $12.56 USD$20.94 USD
Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.

Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    William Allen White Children's Book Award winner

    Identified as a William Allen White Children's Book Award winner.

  • Editorial selection

    Kirkus Reviews Editors' Choice

    Named a Kirkus Reviews Editors' Choice.

  • Critical praise

    Starred Publishers Weekly review: “An electric debut”

    Called an electric debut in a starred review.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A failing light and a hidden message

Ember was built as a refuge for humanity, but two centuries later its lamps are dimming and the city’s future is uncertain. When Lina discovers part of an old message, she and her friend Doon try to work out what its clues mean and how they might save Ember. Their search sets up a story about dwindling resources, trust, and the risks of leading others toward an unknown possibility. The mystery of the message gives the adventure a clear puzzle at its center, while the city’s dependence on its failing lights makes the stakes concrete.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 looking for fantasy adventure.
  • Readers who enjoy stories built around deciphering clues and solving a mystery.
  • Readers interested in fictional communities facing a crisis and difficult choices.

Themes

Hope and survivalFriendshipMystery and deciphering cluesLeadership and collective risk

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

NATIONAL BESTSELLER - Ember is the only light in a dark world. But when its lamps begin to flicker, two friends must race to escape the dark. This highly acclaimed adventure series is a modern-day classic--with over 4 MILLION copies sold!

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 dim. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. Now, she and her friend Doon must race to figure out the clues to keep the lights on. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in 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
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.