 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
A Wrinkle in Time
- By Madeleine L'Engle
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Classic sci-fi story still inspires and gets kids thinking.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that A Wrinkle in Time is one of the great works of literature for kids. Besides being an exciting story, its messages of individuality, nonconformity, friendship and courage have inspired generations of readers. This is a great book for kids who have ever felt "different" or lonely or who have wrestled with loss. It celebrates the power of individuality and bravery and love.
What's the story?
Meg's father, an eminent physicist, has been missing for two years. One night a strange old woman, Mrs. Whatsit, appears, "blown off course" while she, along with Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, was tessering, or taking a shorcut through time and space.
They take Meg, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their new friend Calvin, to rescue Dr. Murry, who is a prisoner on a planet ruled by IT, a giant pulsating brain that controls the minds of everyone on the planet. Charles Wallace also falls under IT's control, and when Meg finds her father, she discovers that he is not the invincible protector she thought he was. She must not only come to terms with this realization, but find a way to rescue them both.
Is it any good?
For many children, reading A WRINKLE IN TIME is a turning point in their intellectual lives, opening to them worlds of science and literary complexity. Those who like action and adventure enjoy its science fiction story, filled with strange creatures and Meg's showdown with IT. Preteens of both sexes can relate to the coming-of-age theme, with a hint of romance, and commentary on the value of individuality over conformity. And kids who aren't terribly popular enjoy watching an outcast become a hero, and doing so by finding that her faults are also her strengths.
Grown scientists who read the book as a child recall it as being the first book that encouraged openness to imaginative speculation, the root of all scientific inquiry and creativity. Parents who want to expose their children to women and girls who are passionate about math and science would do well to slip their child a copy of this book. Not only do Meg and her mother fit this particular bill, but it is Meg who wages the battle between good and evil.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about individuality, conformity, and personal growth.
How is the Murry family different from most people in their community?
At the beginning of the book, do you find them strange, and does your opinion change over the course of the story?
How does Meg change over the course of her adventure?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
May 12, 2011
AGE
Very Good Book!
Love this book. We read it as a class novel and it was one of the best books I've ever read
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
June 18, 2010
AGE
Great for kids 8+
I LOVE IT! IT'S SO EXCITING! IT MADE ME WANT TO READ IT FOREVER! Unfortunatly, it ended.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
April 11, 2011
AGE
i tried to read it and found it extremely boring. my dad read it when he was younger and hated it. he said it was really weird. they go up to space. and other weird things. i mean come on! i guess everyone has their own opinions.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 11 and 15 year old
April 21, 2011
AGE
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 14 years old
April 1, 2011
AGE
A Science-Fiction book geared towards younger kids
This book contained lots of science and bonds in friendship. Also this book contained good role models telling us to never give up. Meg showed this by persisting in finding her father and protecting her brother.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
January 29, 2011
AGE
Perfect for sci-fi lovers
I found it boring and confusing. It is sci-fi, which is not my favorite category in my books.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 9 year old
May 11, 2010
AGE
Perfect for pretty much anyone!
My nine year old daughter and I love this book! Meg is a very courageous heroin, and Addy and I love her. It's a real page-turner, too, and makes you want to read more and more. My daughter brought this home last year and we read it together because I thought it sounded really cool. It's one of my favorite books of all time! I honestly cannot find anything bad about this book! I'd recommend it to anyone.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
October 9, 2010
AGE
Freaky
OK, I read this book when I was 10-11, and it really scared me. The whole thing with the little boy being brainwashed and the people being controlled and everything was really scary. It's also REALLY weird. I have read it several times, and it's a good book, but I just don't like it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
May 17, 2010
AGE
Great for 8+
I love this book because it's mysterious, adventurous, couragous, and fun to read! It's great for all ages! Meg and Charles Wallace are great role models and the book has a great message. Though, one character, Mrs. Whatsit, steals blankets from a neighbor. The book is enjoyable and fun and I recommend it to everyone
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
February 2, 2010
AGE
Some concerns, but touching story.
THIS IS MAI FAVORITE BOOK EVA!!
YAY!!
But, They include language, Including the under world. And the one that is not always a bad word but is sometimes a bad word.
They kiss mai friend, THEY KISSSSS!
But its beautiful......
The characters are good role models, Meg is misunderstood, just like alot of kids. Charles is really sweet, and even though hes smarter than the rest, he dosnt show off about it. Calvin is the one that PUSHES HIMSELF. pfft. Show off. And he principal may make people think all principals are bad. But this story is so beautiful. It teaches you the important things in life. I cried once...
Please read this book. DONT watch the movie. I MEAN, MEG DOSNT HAVE GLASSES OR BRACES. PFFFFFFT.
Now please read the best book eva!!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | adventures, brothers and sisters, great boy role models, great girl role models, misfits and underdogs, science and nature, space and aliens |
| Author: | Madeleine L'Engle |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Yearling Books |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1992 |
| Number of pages: | 240 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
