A Wrinkle in Time

Title: A Wrinkle in Time
Author: Madeleine L'Engle
Published: 1962
Awards: Newbery Medal (1963)
Reading Level: 4.7
Reading Interest: 5-8th grade
Genre: Classic, Science Fiction
Other books in the Series: A Wind in the Door, Many Waters, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, An Acceptable Time
Characters: Meg Murry, Charles Wallace Murry, Calvin O'Keefe
Plot Summary: Meg Murry is the only daughter in a very quirky family, lead by two brilliant scientist parents. But Meg doesn't fit in, she isn't successful at school and to make matters worse her father has been gone for over a year on some top secret mission for the government. Meg and the family are trying not to worry but when the letters stopped coming the family started to become concerned. Then a strange visitor, Mrs Whatisit shows up in Meg's home and soon she and her brother Charles Wallace as well as newly befriended Calvin are off on time traveling adventure with Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which to save Meg and Charles father and fight the darkness that threatens the world and the universe. The trio quickly learns that the universe is a large and dangerous place and that rescuing Meg and Charles' father will not be easy.
Review: The book is a classic and has stood the test of the time through wonderful and endearing characters, interesting storyline and relatable themes of good vs evil, love and family and courage against all odds. The book combines fantasy, philosophy, science fiction into one great story. The book has so many levels that a reader can dive into. It isn't a one dimensional story but instead deals with some complex and intricate themes of time travel and philosophy. The story challenges readers with ideas, vocabulary and story line. I did find parts to be a bit creepy, especially when Charles is possessed by the IT. I thought that Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which were great characters. They were strange and funny and obviously not part of this world. Le Guin obviously has a great imagination to create this story.
Reader's Annotation: Meg knows her father is still alive and on top secret mission despite what others may think. But Meg soon discovers that she has to be apart of her father's mission by traveling through space.
Themes: good vs evil, courage, individuality, family, love
Readalikes: Harry Potter, The Phantom Tollbooth, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
Why for tweens? This is a great book for tweens who are looking for a challenge. This fantasy series is complex and interesting twist and turns. Meg is the perfect awkward role model who in her own way still manages to be the hero.