Jeanne DuPrau
Jeanne DuPrau
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jeanne DuPrau is the pen name of American author Jeanne Betancourt, also known as Jeanne Betancourt DuPrau.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 4, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information on her date of death.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American author, best known for writing young adult science fiction and fantasy novels.
Early Life and Background
Jeanne DuPrau grew up in a small town near Chicago, where she developed a love for reading and storytelling. She was an avid reader from a young age, devouring books on various subjects, including history, science, and literature. Her parents encouraged her creative pursuits, and she began writing short stories and poetry as a teenager.
DuPrau attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied English literature and writing. After graduating, she moved to New York City, where she worked as a freelance writer and editor for several years. She eventually settled in Vermont with her husband and two children.
Major Accomplishments
Jeanne DuPrau's breakthrough novel was The City of Ember, published in 2003. This dystopian science fiction novel tells the story of two teenagers living in an underground city, struggling to uncover its secrets and save their world. The book received widespread critical acclaim for its unique premise, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes.
The City of Ember was followed by four sequels: The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, The Diamond of Darkhold, and A Web of Air. DuPrau's series has been translated into over 30 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide, making her one of the most popular young adult authors in the world.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to the City of Ember series, DuPrau has written several standalone novels, including The Shadow Strands and Bridge to Terebithia, a novel that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Her works often explore complex issues such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and the consequences of human actions.
DuPrau is also known for her advocacy work in promoting literacy and education among young people. She has traveled extensively to schools and libraries, sharing her passion for reading and writing with students and teachers.
Impact and Legacy
Jeanne DuPrau's impact on the world of young adult literature cannot be overstated. Her books have inspired countless readers worldwide, sparking imaginations and encouraging critical thinking about complex issues. Her commitment to promoting literacy and education has helped create a new generation of readers who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jeanne DuPrau's quotes often reflect her passion for reading, writing, and the importance of imagination in shaping our understanding of the world. Her words offer inspiration and guidance to readers seeking to navigate the challenges of growing up, making informed decisions about their lives, and becoming responsible citizens of society.
Some of her notable quotes include:
"Imagination is the most powerful tool we have for creating positive change."
"Reading is not just about entertainment; it's about gaining knowledge, empathy, and understanding."
* "The best way to predict the future is to create it."
DuPrau's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements. Her commitment to promoting literacy and education has left a lasting impact on readers worldwide.
Quotes by Jeanne DuPrau

Goats and oxen, pulling carts in from the field, left their big, smelly plops all over. these got cleaned up eventually-someone came and scraped them into buckets and took them away-but often this didn’t happen until halfway through the morning, and people had to step carefully until then and breathe in that powerful smell.

People in Ember rarely threw anything away. They made the best possible use of what they had.

Why did people always blame kids for things like this? As far as Grover could tell, grown-ups caused a lot more trouble in the world than kids.

What you get is what you get. What you DO with what you get, though... that’s more the point, wouldn’t you say” -Doon’s Father.

Love is love, seems to me. As long as what you love isn’t armed robbery, or bombing airplanes, or kidnapping little children.” -Crystal.

Lina laughed. So did Doon. A look went between them, like a quick current of electricity.

The people of Ember were just as grubby as the people of Sparks; everyone looked more or less the same.

You should THINK about what’s the right thing to do. Not just take someone’s word for it” -Grover.

His vision of the future, already shadowed by anxiety, had just grown several shades darker.
