Common Sense Media Review
Classic sci-fi story still inspires and gets kids thinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Parents say that this book is a unique blend of science fiction and themes of faith, appealing to both children and adults with its complex characters and thought-provoking ideas. However, some parents find the story too frightening or dense for younger readers, while others appreciate the empowerment of the main character and the creative narrative that encourages deep thinking and exploration of important life lessons.
- faith themes
- character development
- age appropriateness
- creative narrative
- empowerment message
Summarized with AI
Based on 107 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers a mix of engaging adventure and philosophical themes, making it appealing for upper elementary and middle school students, though some find its narrative confusing or disjointed. While many praise the deeper messages about love, courage, and self-acceptance, others express frustration with the convoluted plot and recommend it primarily for older readers.
- adventure
- philosophical themes
- confusing narrative
- deeper messages
- recommends older readers
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In A WRINKLE IN TIME, 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 shortcut 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 this book 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 A Wrinkle in Time 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 Meg is also the one who wages the battle between good and evil.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about individuality, conformity, and personal growth. What does A Wrinkle in Time suggest about these ideas?
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? What character strengths does she demonstrate?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Yearling Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1962
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Award : Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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