A Wrinkle in Time is a classic children’s book that has been banned in some schools and libraries due to its controversial themes and depictions of religion and science.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, published in 1962, is an Award Winning children’s book. A science fantasy novel, it won a Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award, Lewis Carroll Shelf Award, and was a runner-up for The Hans Christian Anderson Award.
A Wrinkle in Time deals with many common challenges children and teenagers face.
Meg Murry is a high-school freshman with glasses, braces, and “mousy” brown hair, as she calls it. She is also having trouble at school, usually from not being able to control her quick temper.
Coming from a family with “too smart” parents (scientists) and with a “too dumb” five-year-old brother, Charles Wallace, who is often referred to as a “moron”, doesn’t help.
In fact, Charles Wallace is beyond brilliant, but few people know that. He didn’t talk at all until he was four years old, and when he did begin talking, it was in full sentences and only to his family.
Her ten-year-old twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys, are the only ones in the family seen as normal by the outside world.
As if this isn’t enough, Mr. Murry, on a top secret government assignment, is missing. One day his letters just stopped and no one has been able to find out what has happened to him.
The story opens with Meg in her attic bedroom, unable to sleep because of a bad storm that threatens to become a hurricane.
She goes downstairs to the kitchen where she finds Charles Wallace heating milk for hot chocolate. Mrs. Murry soon joins them.
While the three of them are having their hot chocolate and sandwiches, Mrs. Whatsit arrives, explaining that she got “blown off course” in the storm.
Charles Wallace has met her before, and tells Meg and their mother that she lives in the house everyone thinks is haunted, with her friends, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which.
After resting a bit and having a sandwich with the Murrys, Mrs. Whatsit prepares to leave. As she pulls on her boots, she says to Mrs. Murry that “there is such a thing as a tesseract”, which causes Mrs. Murry to nearly faint.
This was something that Mrs. Murry had discussed with her husband, and she could not imagine how Mrs. Whatsit could know that.
Meg finds out that a tesseract has to do with a scientific idea her father was working on when he disappeared.
The next day when Meg gets home from school, Charles Wallace tells her they need to go see Mrs. Whatsit.
When they are almost there, they come across Calvin O’Keefe. Meg knows him from school. He is a junior, though he is only fourteen years old.
The rest of the book tells the story of how the unearthly trio, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, transport Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin through the universe to find and rescue Mr. Murry.
Scary at times, as they confront The Black Thing, and finally “IT“ – pure evil – A Wrinkle in Time has a happy ending with a wonderful message woven into it.
- Madeleine L'Engle (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 05/01/2007 (Publication Date) - Square Fish (Publisher)
Madeleine L’Engle includes several references to Bible scriptures in the book, yet the critics come from religious groups. Go figure.
Some think it’s “too Christian“, others, “not Christian enough“, that it “undermines religious beliefs“.
I don’t agree with either of these views. I really like this little book. The worst I can say about A Wrinkle in Time is that it can be frightening at times if you don’t know how it ends!
The moral of A Wrinkle in Time
The moral of A Wrinkle in Time is that love, hope, and perseverance can conquer even the most difficult challenges. The novel emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition and adversity.
Quotes:
- “The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” – Mrs. Whatsit Explanation: This quote demonstrates the novel’s exploration of the relationship between science and religion.
- “Don’t be afraid to be afraid.” – Charles Wallace Explanation: This quote encourages readers to face their fears and not let them hold them back.
- “Love. That was what she had that IT did not have.” – Meg Explanation: This quote emphasizes the importance of love and the power it has to conquer evil.
- “In your language, you have a form of poetry called the sonnet…It is a strict form of poetry, is it not?” – Aunt Beast Explanation: This quote highlights the novel’s exploration of language and communication.
- “We do not know what things look like…We know what things are like.” – Charles Wallace Explanation: This quote emphasizes the importance of looking beyond appearances and understanding the true nature of things.
Comparing A Wrinkle in Time to Other Author Novels: “A Wrinkle in Time vs. The Giver: Comparing Two Classic Novels for Young Readers”
A Wrinkle in Time and The Giver are both classic novels for young readers that deal with complex themes and issues. While A Wrinkle in Time explores the relationship between science and religion, The Giver delves into issues of conformity and individuality. Both novels have been banned in some schools and libraries due to their controversial themes, making them important works for readers of all ages to explore.
Similar Reads for Fans of A Wrinkle in Time:
| Book Title | Author | Similar Themes |
|---|---|---|
| The Phantom Tollbooth | Norton Juster | Fantasy, adventure, wordplay |
| The Neverending Story | Michael Ende | Fantasy, imagination, alternate realities |
| The Giver | Lois Lowry | Dystopia, social conformity, individuality |
| Ender’s Game | Orson Scott Card | Science fiction, young adult, adventure |
| The Chronicles of Narnia | C.S. Lewis | Fantasy, alternate realities, good vs. evil |
The Phantom Tollbooth, written by Norton Juster, is a classic children’s book that shares many themes with A Wrinkle in Time. Both novels explore themes of imagination and wordplay, making them great choices for readers who enjoy books that challenge them to think creatively.
The Neverending Story, written by Michael Ende, is another classic children’s book that deals with themes of fantasy and alternate realities. Like A Wrinkle in Time, this novel encourages readers to think beyond the ordinary and explore new worlds and ideas.
Lois Lowry’s The Giver is a dystopian novel that shares many themes with A Wrinkle in Time, including issues of conformity and individuality. Readers who enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time’s exploration of complex themes and its call to stand up for what is right will likely enjoy The Giver as well.
Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game is a science fiction novel that is often read by young adults. Like A Wrinkle in Time, this novel features a strong young protagonist who is faced with difficult challenges and must learn to overcome them. Both novels encourage readers to think critically and to challenge the status quo.
Finally, C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series of children’s books that share many themes with A Wrinkle in Time, including the exploration of alternate realities and the battle between good and evil. Readers who enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time’s emphasis on the power of love and the importance of doing what is right will find much to love in this beloved series.
Book Reviews:
- “A Wrinkle in Time is a classic children’s book that has stood the test of time. L’Engle’s writing is imaginative and thought-provoking, and her exploration of complex themes is both compelling and accessible to young readers. This is a book that every child should read.” – Booklist
- “L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time is a masterpiece of children’s literature, with a strong and relatable protagonist and a story that is both imaginative and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and science fiction.” – Publishers Weekly
- “A Wrinkle in Time is a timeless classic that has inspired generations of young readers. L’Engle’s writing is imaginative and engaging, and her exploration of complex themes is both nuanced and accessible. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.” – School Library Journal
- “A Wrinkle in Time is a must-read for young readers, with its strong and relatable characters and its imaginative and thought-provoking story. L’Engle’s exploration of complex themes is both accessible and challenging, making this a book that will inspire and challenge readers of all ages.” – Kirkus Reviews
- “A Wrinkle in Time is a classic children’s book that has been loved by readers for decades. L’Engle’s writing is imaginative and engaging, and her exploration of complex themes is both thought-provoking and inspiring. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy, science fiction, or simply a good story.” – Common Sense Media
Pros and Cons of A Wrinkle in Time:
Pros:
- Engaging and imaginative writing style that appeals to young readers
- Strong and relatable protagonist who serves as a role model for young girls
- Thought-provoking exploration of complex themes, including the relationship between science and religion and the power of love to conquer evil
Cons:
- Some readers may find the book’s fantastical elements and complex themes difficult to understand
- The novel has faced controversy and has been banned in some schools and libraries due to its depiction of religion and science
- Some readers may find the book’s pacing to be slow, particularly in the beginning
Conclusion:
A Wrinkle in Time is a classic children’s book that has been beloved by readers for decades. L’Engle’s engaging and imaginative writing style, strong and relatable protagonist, and thought-provoking exploration of complex themes have made this novel a staple of children’s literature. While the novel has faced controversy and may not be for everyone, it remains an important work that challenges readers to think beyond the ordinary and to stand up for what is right.