A wrinkle in time

Author: Madeleine L'Engle

Publisher: Dell

Number of pages: 193

Summary: Meg Murry and her brother Charles and friend Calvin join forces to rescue her father from the destructive evil power - the IT - which threatens the world with darkness. Traveling through time and space, they are helped in their quest and battle by three magical creatures with amazing powers. On her journey, Meg learns about growing up and self-acceptance. Both Meg and Calvin, who feel isolated, discover friendship. This adventure reads quickly if you enjoy fantasy. It can also read on a more sophisticated mythic level. L'Engle is a favorite with many students who continue to read all her books.

Personal rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Rationale: The book is well-written with an intricate plot. The characters and problems are complex and believable.

Reading level: 5.6

Interest level: 4th - 10th grade

Thematic areas: identity, friendship, family, belonging, survival, quest, values, courage, conformity and non-conformity, good vs. evil

Content areas: science, philosophy, religion, psychology, history

Potential problems or difficulties: The fantasy and complex plot may be difficult for some. Foreign language, quotes, and scientific concepts may be confusing. This book is frequently censored on religious grounds.

Classroom uses: The book could be used as a beginning to a science fiction unit. Compare characters and incidents to "our world." Have students draw the character IT as soon as it is first mentioned in the book and then compare their drawings to the actual description when it occurs. List and study all the mythological beasts present in the book. Ask a guest speaker (scientist or mathematician) to explain the scientific and mathematical theories in the book.

How to

For each blog post, do the following:

1. Write the title of the book as the title of the post.
2. Write the book genre in the label for the post section (at the bottom).
3. Include the following information with appropriate labels (see sample in the next post): Author; Publisher; Number of pages; Summary; Personal rating; Rationale for rating; Reading level; Interest level; Thematic areas; Content areas; Potential problems or difficulties; Classroom uses

You can also include pictures of the book cover if you like! I encourage you to comment on others' postings and to use this blog as a resource.