The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau continues the story of the people from the city of Ember after they were able to escape their dying city before the lights went out permanently. Led by Lina and Doon, they found their way to the outside world, but having few supplies and no skills in living on the outside, the people are worried.

But after following a path, they come upon the town of Sparks. Some people on the outside did indeed survive the Disaster, a series of plagues and wars, and have been using technology similar to the 1800s to grow crops and survive. They have trucks and other bits of old technology, but don't have the means to use it. When the people of Ember first arrive in Sparks, they are relieved that the people seem willing to help them. The people of Sparks share their food, and provide an old, run down hotel that has not otherwise been used, for their housing. But then tensions begin. There is enough food, but just barely, and differences in cultures and ways of thinking begin to set the two groups at odds against one another. And then when one boy from Sparks and one boy from Ember start playing mean tricks, it might just push things over the edge into an all our battle! Especially when the nephew of one of the town leaders is caught in a tree that was accidentally set on fire by the conflict between the two groups. But will Lina and Doon be able to do something? Will they be able to help their neighbors, save the boy, and bring peace to the two groups of people?