Science Fiction – The City of Ember, 5.5. This is the last in a series of five designed for fifth grade. The book The City of Ember, by Jeanne DuPrau, was selected for its science fiction genre. Students will examine key themes that arise in science fiction, and explore the idea that curiosity leads to wisdom. The book The City of Ember connects well to the other units in the C.I.A. series for fifth grade.