City of Light, City of Dark
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Two kids fight to save their city from eternal winter in this gripping fantasy by Newbery Medalist Avi, illustrated by three-time Sibert honouree Brian Floca.
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...
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GRAPHIC NOVEL
In a mythical tale explaining the seasons and solstices in New York as a result of a pact between humans and the mysterious Kurbs, an object (in this case, a subway token) must be found and returned to the Kurbs by a certain date or the city will be plunged into perpetual winter. For years, a chain of women has performed this task, passing the secret from mother to daughter. Unfortunately, the current coin seeker, Asterel, must deal with Mr. Underton, who wants the energy of the coin for himself. The story is interesting and its plot twists keep readers engaged, but I thought that the art left much to be desired. The illustrations would greatly benefit from some color in places, and I couldn't even tell what some of the drawings were at certain points. Recommended for middle grade to early high school and those interested in myths or folk retellings.
