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First Light


Summary: 
Thea lives in Gracehope, an underground colony underneath Greenland. Global warming is causing to melt away. When Thea finds a map and tunnel leading to the surface, she meets Peter, an outsider who makes connections between talismans of the people of Gracehope and his mother's research. The two realize they have a lot in common despite growing up in very different worlds. Together, Thea and Peter must convince the people of Gracehope that their lives are in danger and that they must leave Gracehope for the surface.

Strengths: 
Alternating chapters told from the perspectives of Thea and Peter allows the characters to become well developed before they meet and join together for their common goal. The realistic backdrop of global warming and scientific research into ice melt lends scientific credibility to the story. The elements of science and history make the plot unique and interesting. The icy setting is well described, immersing the reader into both Gracehope and the surface environment of Greenland.

More books about underground colonies: 

The City of Ember
Gregor the Overlander

 Stead, R. (2007). First light. New York, NY: Wendy Lamb Books. 


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