The People of Sparks

Written by: Jeanne DuPrau

First line: Torren was out at the edge of the cabbage field that day, the day the people came.

Why you should read this book: Lina and Doon, having led their people to the surface, have become the heroes of Ember, but in the strange new sunlight, they learn the unpleasant truth: that the builders sent them underground to avoid a great war, and the world above them was decimated in the fighting. The people of Sparks have worked hard to create a pleasant village from the ruins of the old world, albeit one without electricity or plumbing, and their kinder natures still tremble at the thought of feeding and housing the hundreds of strange, pale people who appear suddenly on the outskirts of their town, hungry and tired. They all know that war is terrible, and must never happen again, but tempers flare until once again, it's up to Lina and Doon to show others the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You believe might makes right, and ultimate weapons are made to be deployed.