A Wind in the Door - Madeleine L'Engle

Classic science fiction with timeless appeal.

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Common Sense rates it
4
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Book details
  • Author:Madeleine L'Engle
  • # of pages: 240
  • Publisher:Yearling Books
  • Original Publication Date: 01/01/1976
  • Genre: Fiction - Science Fiction
  • Paperback: $6.50
  • Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 9-12
  • Read Aloud: 9-10
  • Read Alone: 10+

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that the highly original plot and memorable characters appeal to a wide group of readers. The vocabulary and ideas are inventive, and the story promotes the importance of loving relationships. While some of the science is made up, the trip inside Charles Wallace's body is a mini-lesson in cell biology.

Families can talk about the complexity of relationships. How do you think you would fare with the tests Meg faces?

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Some cosmic battling. Characters take a frightening journey into another galaxy where they must take part in a cosmic battle in order to save Charles Wallace and themselves.

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Matt

Unusual things happen in high school freshman Meg Murry's family. Her parents are famous scientists, and her six-year-old brother, Charles Wallace, is a genius. But Charles Wallace has been mysteriously ill, and when he tells Meg there are dragons in the garden, she worries that he is fantasizing.

Then she sees the fantastic creature, actually a "singular cherubim." It has been sent by a wise, humanlike Teacher to help Meg in a quest to heal Charles Wallace. Also accompanying her will be her friend, Calvin O'Keefe, and her archenemy, Mr. Jenkins, the dour principal of Charles Wallace's school.

The travelers journey from a faraway galaxy to inside Charles Wallace's body, where a cosmic battle is taking place. By kything--communicating without words--and learning the importance of Naming (loving) her enemies, Meg saves her brother with the help of both Calvin and the surprisingly lovable Mr. Jenkins.

Is it any good?

4

This is the second of Madeleine L'Engle's Chronos Quartet novels featuring the Murry family and their journeys through time and space. With believable characters and a suspenseful plot, it is arguably the best of the sequels to the classic A Wrinkle in Time.

In some of the entries in the Quartet, the hypersensitive, loving, and gifted Murry children can seem wildly age-challenged, speaking and acting like people much older or younger than their given years. Here they face enough real-kid problems, such as Charles Wallace's torment at the hands of school bullies, to seem real.

In all four books, the fate of the universe turns on the actions of the Murrys. The three trials Meg must pass in A Wind in the Door are all interpersonal; her ability to communicate love is being tested. That makes for some scenes that are long on dialogue and short on action; "too many talky scenes" was one twelve-year-old's only negative comment.

Yet there are enough surprises to sustain the suspense, and the ideas that drive the scenes are interesting, ranging from the interconnectedness of the universe to the deadening role of fear in relationships. As absorbing to an adult reader as it is to young readers, this is a rewarding book with generous helpings of the L'Engle magic.

The next book in the series is A Swiftly Tilting Planet. Readers seeking other works that blend vivid characters and imaginative worlds might enjoy Diana Wynne Jones's fantasies, such as Hexwood.

From the Book:

"Oh, earthling, earthling, why do you think Blajeny called for you? There is war in heaven, and we need all the help we can get. The Echthroi are spreading through the universe. ... A star or a child or a farandola--size doesn't matter, Meg. The Echthroi are after Charles Wallace and the balance of the entire universe can be altered by the outcome."

Other choices

Other Books in this Series:
A Swiftly TiltingPlanet
A Wrinkle in Time
Books With Similar Themes:
Hexwood

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/18/08 by Jobye Kid contributor, age 12

A Wind In The Door

I Love This Book!
5


Posted on 04/05/06 by puppyest08 Kid contributor, age 11

A great follow up to A Wrinkle in Time

If you liked a wrinkle in time, there is no doubt in my mind that you should read this book. Full of adventure and excitement, you should continue to just read the whole series!

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/18/08 by Jobye Kid contributor, age 12

A Wind In The Door

I Love This Book!
5


Posted on 04/05/06 by puppyest08 Kid contributor, age 11

A great follow up to A Wrinkle in Time

If you liked a wrinkle in time, there is no doubt in my mind that you should read this book. Full of adventure and excitement, you should continue to just read the whole series!
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