The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember) Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
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The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember) has 20 chapters · 270 pages
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Inside the journal: 20 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Written for this book Questions about this story, good after any chapter.
So far, what do you understand about the city of Ember and the way people live there? Use details from the chapter to explain your answer.See all 20 questions ↓
About the book
A modern-day classic. This highly acclaimed adventure series about two friends desperate to save their doomed city has captivated kids and teachers alike for almost fifteen years and has sold over 3.5 MILLION copies!
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The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember) questions by chapter
We know the book, its characters, setting and story, but not what happens in each chapter. So every question is written for this book, and any of them works wherever your reader has just stopped. One question per chapter, across all 20 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
So far, what do you understand about the city of Ember and the way people live there? Use details from the chapter to explain your answer.
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Chapter 2
What problem or worry seems most important to Lina, Doon, or another character in this chapter? Why does it matter?
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Chapter 3
How does the setting of Ember affect what the characters can do, see, or hope for? Give one example from what you read.
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Chapter 4
Choose one choice a character makes in this chapter. What does that choice show about the character’s personality?
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Chapter 5
What is one question you have about Ember’s past or future after reading this chapter? What clues made you wonder about it?
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Chapter 6
How are Lina and Doon alike or different so far? Use evidence from the story to support your thinking.
Example answer: I think Lina and Doon are alike because they both notice that Ember has serious problems. They also both want to do something useful instead of just accepting everything. They are different because Lina seems more hopeful and imaginative, while Doon seems more serious and frustrated. Both of them care about their city, but they show it in different ways.
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Chapter 7
Find a word or phrase in this chapter that helps create the mood of Ember. What does it mean, and how does it make the chapter feel?
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Chapter 8
What does this chapter show about rules, jobs, or responsibilities in Ember? Do you think the system seems fair? Why or why not?
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Chapter 9
Which character do you trust most right now, and which character are you unsure about? Explain your reasons using the text.
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Chapter 10
What prediction can you make about a problem in Ember? What details from the chapter helped you make that prediction?
Example answer: I predict that the problems in Ember will get worse before they get better. The lights and supplies seem very important, and people are worried about what might happen next. Details about darkness and shortages make me think the city cannot keep going the same way forever. I think Lina and Doon may have to help find a solution.
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Chapter 11
How does Jeanne DuPrau build suspense or curiosity in this chapter? Describe a moment that made you want to keep reading.
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Chapter 12
What does this chapter suggest about courage? Name a character who shows courage, even in a small way.
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Chapter 13
How do the people of Ember respond to fear, shortages, darkness, or uncertainty? What does their response teach you about them?
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Chapter 14
Pick an important object, message, place, or discovery from this chapter. Why might it be important to the story?
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Chapter 15
What is one way Lina or Doon tries to solve a problem instead of giving up? What can readers learn from that?
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Chapter 16
How does this chapter show the difference between what ordinary citizens know and what leaders or adults may know?
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Chapter 17
Describe a moment when a character has to decide whether to obey, question, or take action. What would you have done in that situation?
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Chapter 18
What theme, or big idea, seems to be growing in the story so far, such as hope, teamwork, truth, or survival? Explain your thinking.
Example answer: A big idea I notice is hope. Even though Ember feels dark and trapped, some characters still believe there could be answers. Lina’s curiosity and Doon’s determination show that they do not want to give up. This makes me think the story is about looking for light, even when things seem scary.
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Chapter 19
How has your opinion of Ember changed since the beginning of the book? Use one detail from this chapter and one earlier detail.
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Chapter 20
After this chapter, what do you think the author wants readers to feel or think about Lina, Doon, and the future of Ember?
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How to use this The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember) reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 20 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for The City of Ember (The First Book of Ember). Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Questions about this story, good after any chapter. We know the book, its characters, setting and story, but not what happens in each chapter. So every question is written for this book, and any of them works wherever your reader has just stopped. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.