Common Sense Media Review
Sci-fi classic has racist language, violence, adult themes.
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Why Age 12+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Based on 106 kid reviews
Kids say this book is thrilling and thought-provoking, with intense themes involving violence, manipulation, and ethical dilemmas, but it also contains excessive swearing and mature content that may not be suitable for younger readers. Many enjoy the character of Ender and appreciate the engaging plot, while others caution that the language and the portrayal of children can be disturbing and may require parental guidance for younger audiences.
- violence
- strong language
- thought-provoking themes
- parental guidance needed
- character-driven story
- engaging plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ENDER'S GAME, 6-year-old Ender is chosen to attend an elite military school that trains kids to become soldiers in the hope of finding the next great leader to save the planet from alien invasion. With everything at stake, the authorities push their recruits to the limit, showing little concern for casualties. Ender displays talents they've never seen before, but can they turn a compassionate young boy into the killing machine they need to save humankind?
Is It Any Good?
This popular sci-fi novel has a lot going for it: It's deeply emotional and character-driven, intellectual enough to make readers think without diverting from the story, and packed full of action. Ender's Game is a page-turner that will hold the attention of even reluctant readers and introduces complex themes that resonate today. However, the racist language and gender stereotypes in particular let the book down, and it needs to be both read and discussed with these in mind, particularly given Orson Scott Card's very public expression of his own prejudices.
The book's view of politics in the internet age is prescient, and its exploration of ruthless education practices and the sacrifice of individuals for the greater good will linger long after the last page is turned. Though it wasn't written for children -- the violence is certainly too intense for younger readers -- it has been embraced by preteens and older across the world and remains an influential addition to the sci-fi canon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Battle School in Ender's Game, where kids are trained using video games and simulations. How do you think this impacts their experience and understanding of consequences?
Ender's Game was originally published in 1985 and won the Nebula Award for best novel that year. Do you think that would be the case today? How has the book aged, both well and poorly?
Do you see a connection between Ender's Game and the Hunger Games trilogy? How are they similar? How are they different?
The book features young children suffering in order to save the human race and asks whether the ends justify the means. How do you feel about that? Can you think of other stories that explore a similar question?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Tor Books
- Publication date : October 2, 2005
- Number of pages : 357
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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