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.

Age

Quality

Educational value2
This book contains lots of science, but more importantly, it's a great way to discuss topics of conformity and individuality.
Positive messages4
There are many important themes in A Wrinkle in Time: the importance of friendship, loyalty and individuality chief among them. This book celebrates kids who are a bit different, it sends positive messages about thinking for yourself and about the bonds of siblings.
Positive role models4
The book is chock full of great role models. Meg is a strong, persuasive and brave heroine. Her mother is a scientist. Her friend Calvin is a model of loyalty and her brother Charles Wallace an example of how cool you can be if you aren't typically "cool."
Violence0
The book has suspense and a few scary moments. The children confront an evil, disembodied brain that controls a planet.

Sex0
Mild flirtation and a kiss.
Language0
Not applicable.
Consumerism0
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
Not applicable.

Expand to see more details

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?

More details

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

This review of A Wrinkle in Time was written by Katherine Olney

Age

Based on 27 parent & educator reviews:

26% say there are positive role models
26% say there are positive messages

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

iateurwaffle

Kid, 11 years old

May 12, 2011

OK for kids & up

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

SSfanforlife

Kid, 10 years old

June 18, 2010

OK for kids & up

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

Missydooda

Teen, 13 years old

April 11, 2011

Not for kids & under

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.

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

Celtic1962

Parent of 11 and 15 year old

April 21, 2011

OK for kids & up

What other families should know

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

I love the ...

Teen, 14 years old

April 1, 2011

OK for kids & up

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

MinecraftKid

Kid, 12 years old

January 29, 2011

Not for kids & under

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

Tora Gwen

Parent of 9 year old

May 11, 2010

OK for kids & up

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

ocie14

Teen, 13 years old

October 9, 2010

Pause for kids & under

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.

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

NinjaSquirrel

Teen, 13 years old

May 17, 2010

OK for kids & up

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

ChibiMusic

Kid, 9 years old

February 2, 2010

OK for kids & up

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

Flag as inappropriate

was this review useful?

| |

See all user reviews

Coraline

(by Neil Gaiman)

Strange, surreal tale sure to creep kids out.

AGE

The Giver

(by Lois Lowry)

A riveting utopian novel that's expertly crafted.

AGE

Messenger

(by Lois Lowry)

Trilogy ends with more questions than answers.

AGE

The Common Sense and Common Sense Media names, associated trademarks and logos, including the Decider Slider and Age Ratings Bugs,
are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (FEIN 41-2024986).

New Reviews	In Theaters
Movies on DVD	Games
Apps	Websites
TV	Books
Music

Best movie lists	Best game lists
Best app lists	Best website lists
Best TV lists	Best book lists
Best music lists	Best for learning lists
Essential books	Essential apps
Special needs guide	Learning awards

Apps for learning	Games for learning
Websites for learning	All reviews for learning

Advice	Educators
Movies in theaters	Movies on DVD

Reviews

Top Picks

Best for Learning

Videos

Blog

Members

Download our new Kids Media app today!

A Wrinkle in Time

Common Sense Media says

What parents need to know

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Explore, discuss, enjoy

Most useful reviews by all members

Very Good Book!

Great for kids 8+

A Science-Fiction book geared towards younger kids

Perfect for sci-fi lovers

Perfect for pretty much anyone!

Freaky

Great for 8+

Some concerns, but touching story.

Coraline

The Giver

Messenger