City of Light, City of Dark

Author: Avi

Illustrator: Brian Floca

Publication: New York: Orchard Books

Publication Date: 1995

ISBN: 0-531-07058-1 (pbk.)

Pages: 192 (small print)

Summary: In this book New York is controlled by other-worldly creatures known as the Kurbs who have leased the city to the humans. In order to renew the contract, a magical token, which the Kurbs have hidden somewhere in the city, must be returned to them by a certain date. If it isn't, the city will be plunged into darkness and freeze. Astrela is the woman who has to shoulder this great responsibility, but her job is being made even more difficult by an evil, greedy man named Mr. Underton. He wants to steal the token, and has blackmailed Sarah (Astrela's long-lost daughter) into getting it for him. Astrela eventually finds out about this and has to choose between being reunited with her daughter or returning the token on time.

Major Characters: Astrela, Mr. Underton, Sarah (Estella), Carlos (a friend)

Comments: This graphic novel had a fast-paced, interesting plot with a lot of symbolism. The illustrations of people were fairly simple, but the cityscapes were very detailed. Carlos and Sarah's flight over the city was incredible. The illustrations were in black and white, which worked well with the book's themes of light and dark. This would be a good tool to use for an English student who is learning Spanish, or a Spanish student who is learning English, because Carlos and his mother converse in Spanish, and the passages are translated.

Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy

Age Level: 10+