The People of Sparks

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau is the second book in the Books of Ember series.  This book was definitely better than the first installment, The City of Ember.  This story is set in the future after most of the human race has been wiped out by war or disease.  Ember is a city that was created underground and populated with people before humans were almost extinct to ensure that the human race would live on even after horrible events.  In this story, the people of Ember have escaped their dying city and meet the people of Sparks while they are traveling over the ruins of existing cities.  The people of Ember need food, shelter, and lessons on how to farm and take care of themselves.  The people of Sparks are willing to teach them these skills while sharing some of their food and shelter.  Conflict ensues and eventually the two groups are ready to kill each other.  The two main characters, Lina and Doon, who are early teenagers, have to save everyone again and they do..for now!  I really like this series and I will definitely keep reading the next books.