Parents' Guide to

The People of Sparks

By Matt Berman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

A simple, clear look at the slippery slope to war.

Book Jeanne DuPrau Science Fiction 2004
The People of Sparks Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

BrighamC
BrighamC Adult
June 3, 2012
age 9+

A good read with an awesome message!

I loved how this book brought out how important it is to help others, even if they are mean to us. It teaches that wars come from misunderstandings and friendships develop when we look beyond differences and work for understanding. This book was an excellent book to talk about how our actions affect others. 5 stars!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
twelvefourandtwo
twelvefourandtwo Adult
September 9, 2011
age 9+

recommended

great book. a story of finding peace during war and the benefits of acceptance and working together despite overwhelming obsticals. author has a way of keeping the subject matter light as well as deep.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Having emerged from hundreds of years in an underground city, the 400 survivors of Ember can't go back, but have no idea how to survive on the surface. Wandering for days, exhausted and hungry, they come across the village of Sparks. The people of this small village reluctantly agree to take in the refugees temporarily, just long enough to teach them to survive on their own.

But food is tight, the Emberites don't seem to know anything, and the villagers soon begin to resent having to take care of them. As tensions mount a mysterious series of acts of vandalism heightens the anger on both sides, until conflict seems inevitable.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (16):

The first book was a fun but unexceptional story -- underground city is failing, children have to find a way out before it's too late; this sequel goes in a more thought-provoking direction. It traces, in a clear and reasonably believable fashion, the steps that lead otherwise decent people to war and, more simplistically, what decent people can do to stop it. It helps kids to begin to fathom some of what is going on in the world today.

Again it is the unassuming Lina and Doon who find the way, though both are initially led astray. But they share a common impulse to care for others, which propels them to find and take the difficult steps necessary to avert conflict. Unlike so many fantasies, this is not about good versus evil, but rather thoughtfulness and compassion versus unreasoning hate. And, as the author makes very clear, love takes a lot more strength and bravery than anger.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about war.

  • How has war affected Sparks and Ember?

  • How are greed and corruption leading to new conflict?

Book Details

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