First light by Rebecca Stead (2011)

First light follows the stories two teenagers - Peter and Thea. Peter is thrilled to join his parents on an expedition to Greenland, where his father is studying global warming. He should be enjoying his time away from school, but keeps getting odd visions and headaches which he can’t explain.

Thea has never seen the sun. She lives in Gracehope, a community entirely hidden within a glacier under Greenland’s ice. Her ancestors fled there a long time ago to escape persecution, but the community’s population has expanded and resources are now scarce. Thea dreams of finding a path to the earth’s surface to see the sun and help her community expand, but finds herself in conflict with the leader of Gracehope, her Grandmother.

Peter and Thea’s tales alternate as their two worlds come together in a story that mixes mystery and adventure with science and fantasy. Although I felt it was a bit slow to get going, the story really came to life when the two characters finally met. They are both strong characters who are prepared to do what it takes to uncover the truth and challenge those around them. The arctic setting felt real, while the theme of global warming and its consequences was gently done. A good read!

Genre – mystery, science and adventure

Would recommend for age 10 – 14

Caroline @ Kew

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