Y’all I get embarrassed sometimes when I sit with a group of women and they talk about the books they are reading. My naturally garrulous nature becomes subdued, and that always draws attention. Invariably they ask me what I have been reading, and I have to admit that mostly I read old folktales, “juvenile” fiction, and the AARP magazine. I realize it’s a sad mix.
A glance at me will tell you that the AARP magazine is a natural, but I usually have to explain the other. Fortunately I can justify it by saying, “I am a professional storyteller. My audience is mostly teens and pre-teens, and I need to have a frame of reference with them.” That sounds much more intelligent than admitting, “I have the attention span of a gnat.”
Last weekend, my penchant for juvenile fiction paid off when we decided to go to the movies. We chose The City of Ember — and I had read the book.
I encountered that book when I walked into a local middle school several years ago in the midst one of their “Drop Everything And Read” moments. During that fifteen minute stretch each day, students in every class stopped all activity to read a book. To my surprise, the school had decided that every class would read the same book (one I had not heard of until that time).
It was The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau.
Throughout the day, the kids were all talking about the book, so I decided to stop at a local bookstore and grab my own copy. I wanted to know why the kids were buzzing about it.
I admit, the book enthralled me. I was fascinated by the idea of a city underground, lit only by the dim lights serviced by a dying generator. No sun, no moon, no stars for these people; the only light they knew was threatening to fade away completely.
The city was only built and supplied to last 200 years (to save the human race during a time of terrible destruction), and that time was past. The way out had been provided by The Builders, and was supposed to be passed down from Mayor to Mayor through the decades. But, the instructions had gotten lost along the way.
The people of the city existed on their dwindling supplies and their own ingenuity as they recycled and re-used what they had. At first that seemed like a fantasy, but then I realized that it wasn’t so hard to imagine such a world these days.
I was immediately caught up in the action as Lina Mayfleet and her friend Doon Harrow, searched for a way out of the dying city. I couldn’t put that book down until I had read every page. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back the next day to get the sequel: The People of Sparks.
Last weekend, we went to a local theater to see that movie and have dinner while we watched. One important thing to know if you go to a “dinner” theater is that you should get there early to order your meal! During the commotion of ordering our meal, my husband missed the first moments of the movie…the crucial moments that set up the whole scenario.
We both enjoyed the movie, and recommend it as a great one to see with your kids. The set that was created for the city was better than what I had imagined in my head. But, as often happens when a movie is made from a book, there were a lot of things that I wished the director hadn’t cut.
After the movie was over, I explained some of the scenes to my husband (using that knowledge I had gained from the book), and he was surprised. There were just some things that couldn’t be explained in a short movie. He did say that the movie “stood alone.” You don’t have to read the book before you go.
However, if you are planning on taking your kids to see it, this would be a perfect opportunity to encourage them to read! Grab the book at the bookstore (if you can find a copy) and read it with them before you go to the movie. I think you’ll be glad you did.
This week in Cypress-Fairbanks middle schools, I’m taking the opportunity to talk about reading to the kids as I perform. I’ve been surprised that so few of the kids during this school year have read the book. My “frame of reference” is a a year or two behind. But, I’ve been delighted to see their excitement about reading The City of Ember after I talk about it. It seems to have sparked their imaginations.
I don’t think the librarians are crazy about it, though. I’ve caused more than one mob scene in the library as the kids grapple for the one copy that’s on the shelf! As long as they don’t riot and burn down a school, I guess the exercise is good for them.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Anything that gets kids reading is a good idea in my book! (pun only slightly intended)
Personally though, I always find the book better than the movie, it drives me insane when they cut or completely change important pieces of the plot.
I’m often the same way! I try not to see a movie until I’ve read the book–and sometimes after reading it I refuse to see the movie.
! It’s my job!
And, of course I want to get kids reading
Put me down as guilty on reading books written for young people. We will not discuss how manic I got until the last Harry Potter book had been read. Then there are all the Alcott books loved as a child that must be reread at regular intervals.
Sometimes the best truths are in the tales we tell children.
Can I quote you on that last sentence? I never got into Harry Potter, but I love reading the old classics…and I’ve made a middle school librarian give me a new reading list! I can’t wait to begin pouring through them. So many, that I’m actually going to have to utilize my library!
Great thanks Shelly, I like need more books to read. I have been reading youth books all Summer and Fall. I was totally hooked on The Droughtlanders series by Carrie Mac. You may not have heard of this author as she is Canadian, but totally worth checking out; and of course like everyone else in the universe I’m stuck on the Twilight series. And now this!
Coris last blog post..Indy Jones
Well, I’ll check out that Droughtlanders series. I just bought Twilight and am TOTALLY hooked. A love story with vampires just “sucked me in,” so to speak.
Awesome Shelly. I’m glad that you are telling stories… and thanks for the tip on the book. I think my boys — the older ones will love it.
susiejs last blog post..Americans, Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps, and Stop Worrying
I’m glad I’m telling stories, too, Susie. I think the boys will like it. YOU might get caught up in it, too!
I keep threatening to read “juvenile fiction”, since I have written some (for me). but never stop procrastinating long enough to find a good one to start with. You just solved that! I’m ordering them both, and then checking out the ones Cori suggested in comments. Thanks, y’all.
Marcias last blog post..Only the Good Friday
You’ll LOVE Twilight…and it will be a movie soon, too!