Children's Science Book Database

The City of Ember

  1. This is a chapter book that I would introduce science topics from. So the book does not foster this process, but with a lot of teaching molding this book will be a great way to introduce many science topics to the students.
  • Author: Jenna Duprau
  • Illustrator: n/a
  • Year Published: 2004
  • ISBN: n/a

Science Topics

  • Earth Science
  • Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

  • 3rd Grade

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

  • 8th Grade

Summary

This story takes place in a time where people are working in jobs they are placed at to keep their society moving. Slowly the city starts to run out of every material including light bulbs and are forced to look for an answer for this problem. Even trying to explore into the darkness for answers.

Evaluation

  • Appropriateness: Medium
  • Authority: Medium
  • Accuracy: Low
  • Liteary Artistry: Medium
  • Appearance: Medium

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

  1. This is a chapter book that I would introduce science topics from. So the book does not foster this process, but with a lot of teaching molding this book will be a great way to introduce many science topics to the students.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

  1. Yes, this book provides a story for the students to wonder what is outside the city, why color fades, and how light bulbs work. This book does not provide the answers but this is where the teacher can start their science lesson from.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

  1. Yes, I answer so strongly because this book presents many different ideas to the student causing the student to think why is this happening at every chapter.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

  1. Yes, this book can be used to cover a spectrum of science lessons. Colors, lights, plants, life, and chemical bonds.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

  1. No, and no. Like I said this is a chapter book that can be used for science lessons.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

  1. Umm at times this book does. But mostly this book focuses on the story

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

  1. There are no illustrations

Is the book written at the level of your students?

  1. This is an 8+ book. I would use this for third grade.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

  1. There is a lot to digest in the book. It does stereotype, it does have a class system, gender issues, and it brings up so many things in this culture that is something that I would want to be brought up to bring to the students at an early age.

Is the book free from gender bias?

  1. There is a lot to digest in the book. It does stereotype, it does have a class system, gender issues, and it brings up so many things in this culture that is something that I would want to be brought up to bring to the students at an early age.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

  1. This books can be used for social studies and it can be used for reading/writing and math.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

  1. Yes, the story tries to bring back technology and see how just important it is to keep their society running. In fact the danger in the story is how limited the technology is.

Science Topic

  • Earth Science
  • Life Science
  • Physical Science
  • Space Science

Minimum Grade Level

  • Prekindergarten
  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • 4th Grade
  • 5th Grade
  • 6th Grade

Maximum Grade Level

  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • 4th Grade
  • 5th Grade
  • 6th Grade
  • 7th Grade
  • 8th Grade

College of Education
Previously Developed for Dr. Anthony Petrosino by the Office of Instructional Innovation