Bookstaken Logo
JourneyBookbuddiesBook RecommendationsPricing
Become a Bookbuddy
JourneyBookbuddiesBook Recommendations
Free Trial
Menu
JourneyBookbuddiesBook RecommendationsPricingBlogsExperienceAbout usContact usOutcomesBecome a Bookbuddy
Login
Back
Cover of The City of Ember

Age rating and parents' guide:The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

Ages 9–14

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is best for children aged 9–14. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

Lina and Doon race to decipher an ancient message before their underground city’s failing lights go out forever.

Get this bookFind books for my child

Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Moderate
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the Book of Ember series
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Some emotionally heavy moments
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Reading mood

  • Suspenseful

Books like The City of Ember

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

  • Cover of Keeper of the Lost Cities

    Ages 9–14

    Keeper of the Lost Cities

    by Shannon Messenger

    Sophie discovers a hidden world of telepaths and searches for the truth about her powers, family, and dangerous past.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

    Ages 9–14

    Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

    by Nancy Springer

    Enola searches for her missing mother while escaping her famous brothers and solving a young marquess’s disappearance.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of Wings of Fire (dragon series)

    Ages 9–14

    Wings of Fire (dragon series)

    by Tui T. Sutherland

    Seven dragon tribes struggle against prophecy, war, and betrayal as young dragonets seek a path to peace.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of The Girl Who Drank the Moon

    Ages 9–14

    The Girl Who Drank the Moon

    by Kelly Barnhill

    Luna is accidentally fed moonlight as a baby and grows into powerful magic while uncovering her town’s hidden truth.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of Nevermoor

    Ages 9–14

    Nevermoor

    by Jessica Townsend

    Cursed girl Morrigan Crow escapes death and competes for a place in the magical Wundrous Society.

    Know moreGet book
  • Cover of Anne of Green Gables

    Ages 9–14

    Anne of Green Gables

    by L.M. Montgomery

    Imaginative orphan Anne transforms life at Green Gables while finding family, friendship, and belonging on Prince Edward Island.

    Know moreGet book

Is this the right book for your child?

Tell us your child's age, what they are into, how they feel about reading and anything to avoid. Bookstaken's free quiz picks seven books matched to them from 300+ children's books.

A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.

In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.

Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The City of Ember for?
The City of Ember suits children aged 9–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is The City of Ember appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has mild violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is The City of Ember part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Book of Ember series. If your child enjoys it, the other Book of Ember books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after The City of Ember?
Try Keeper of the Lost Cities, Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess and Wings of Fire (dragon series). They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
Bookstaken Logo

We are building the generation that reads the fine print, questions the narrative, and writes their own future. One chapter at a time.

The Path

  • The Curriculum
  • Outcomes
  • Meet the Mentors
  • Blogs
  • Success Stories
  • Pricing & Plans
  • Experience

Book Lists

  • Free Book Recommendations
  • Parents' Guides A–Z
  • Indian Books for Kids
  • Books for Reluctant Readers
  • Sudha Murty Books

The Club

  • About the Founders
  • Become a Bookbuddy
  • Join Parent Community

Here for You

  • Talk to a Founder
  • Parents' Guide
  • Contact Us

Privacy and Terms

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Happiness Guarantee (Refund Policy)
  • Cookie Policy

#Made with ❤️ for kids

© 2026 Bookstaken Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Bookstaken