About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice social pressures, questioning unfair rules, or feeling anxious about global events and conflict. This prequel to The City of Ember introduces 11-year-old Nickie, who finds herself in a town where fear of a looming war has led the residents to follow a strict, dictatorial leader. It is a thoughtful exploration of how communities react to crisis and why it is important to think critically rather than follow the crowd out of fear. While the setting is science fiction, the emotional core deals with justice, the loss of civil rights, and the courage it takes to be an outsider. It offers a safe space for middle-grade readers to process the idea that even when the world feels out of control, individual choices can still make a difference. This is a great choice for kids who enjoy mysteries and stories about standing up for what is right.
