City of Light, City of Dark
Illustrated By Brian Floca
About this book
Two kids fight to save their city from eternal winter in this gripping fantasy by Newbery Medalist Avi, illustrated by three-time Sibert Honoree Brian Floca."To begin with--there were these KURBS. These Kurbs owned an Island...with their POWER they controlled both day and night...Years ago, when People first came to the Kurbs' Island, they wanted to build themselves a City."
The Kurbs give people light and warmth to establish a city, on one condition: The people must return the Power every year or risk losing the city--forever. This system works for centuries until evil Mr. Underton tries to steal the Power. If he succeeds, the Kurbs will take back the City, reducing it to a dark and frozen tundra. It's up to Carlos and Sarah to find the Power--housed in a subway token--and keep the City safe, despite secrets of Sarah's history that are entwined with the token. What ensues is a race against darkness. A race against the lies of the past. And most of all, a race against time.
Reviews
Praise for City of Light, City of DarkA Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year
A New York Public Library, Books for the Teen Age
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
*". . . Avi and Floca dynamically convey a timeless tale of good versus evil. Brilliantly parodying the superhero cartoons of old, this . . . is sure to be a hit with reluctant readers and advanced readers alike."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
*"It's a great story, full of characters facing Dickensian moral dilemmas and Vernian grand adventures, a villain one can hiss, and a fantastic flight over and through the City . . . an urban fantasy for middle-school readers who enjoy the 'what ifs' of imagination."--VOYA, starred review
"Avi delivers a fast-paced adventure that ably mixes fantasy with urban reality. Floca's simple but expressive illustrations capture both the magic and the grit of New York City."--San Francisco Chronicle
