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A Wrinkle in Time
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We went to the library yesterday in search of some new chapter books for my ds8. The librarian pointed us to the Newberry Award winners and recommended A Wrinkle in Time. As I noticed the illustration on the front cover, I asked the librarian if the book was about witchcraft or magic, and she said it wasn’t. We checked it out, but I am still concerned. I haven’t allowed ds to read it yet, and even he said that he doesn’t want to read it if it has witches in it. I remember my brother reading and enjoying this book as a child, but I’ve never read it. I was hoping some of you could provide some insight into this book.
If it’s simply a fairy tale, it’s not a big deal. We are reading about the Greek gods and mythology without any issues.
If you all say this book is too mystical/New Age/witchcraft-y/etc. I’ll trust your opinions and return the book, no big deal. If, on the other hand, it’s a Newberry Award winner because it’s a masterpiece of children’s literature that you would all recommend, I’ll allow ds to read the book. I just want to have good wisdom and discernment first.
Thanks,
Lindsey
I don’t remember it having witchcraft, but it’s been many years since I read it. More like space/time travel. I am going to let my kids read it when they are older, with no hesitations.
Hi Lindsey-
I think it’s more science fiction/fantasy. There is a section in the beginning where three messengers (Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Which) are introduced, and Mrs. Which, in a play on her name, is dressed as a witch, but she’s not. As you read more of the series, you’ll get to meet a seraphim (I can’t remember in which book – it’s been a while since I’ve read them).
Definitely a struggle between good and evil – there are some dark parts, but I think fitting to the theme and not excessive. I really liked them as a child, and also enjoyed reading them to my fourth graders when I was teaching school.
I know you’re busy, as we all are, but you might preread it just to make sure it will suit your kids. I’m looking forward to reading them when the boys are a bit older.
HTH,
Katrina
i just recently reread this as it was a favorite of mine growing up. There are no witches, no witchcraft and not even magic really. As Sara B. said it is more about space and fighting darkness. I liked this book growing up because all the children had little akwardnesses, but found their strengths during their journey. And ultimately it is love that triumphs in the end. It is definately fantasy, the main plot being finding who we are and fighting the darkness (no love or feelings) in life. I will let my children read it when they are old enought, 8-10. HTH.
I remember enjoying this book as a child, as the others have said it is a scifi/fantasy kind of book and I don’t recall there being any witchcraft or anything like that it. However, I do think some of the themes in the book might be a little too mature or intense for an 8yo. I will let my kids read them, but will probably save them for older elementary/middle school age because of that.
FWIW,
Jen
This is such a relief! One of the main reasons I was concerned was because of a commentary on the back of this book regarding another of L’Engle’s books, A Wind in the Door. The commentary for this books states, “A suspenseful, life-and-death drama that is of believable cosmic significance. Complex and rich in mystical religious insights, this is breathtaking entertainment.”
I thought, “Geez, if this lady is a New Age mystical writer, we won’t be reading any of her books!” But then I decided I’d ask to be sure, since it is an award-winning book. I’m relieved to know that you all will read this book with your children and have enjoyed it yourselves.
If I could ask a couple more questions…First, will you be allowing your children to read this independently or will you make it a family read-aloud? Second, ds is 8. He is mature for his age, in my opinion. Do you think I would be wise to wait until he’s 9 or 10 before handing this book to him to read?
Thanks again,
Lindsey
P.S. I should probably add that this is for his leisure reading only. Not for school, not for narrating, just something for him to read during his free time.
A Wrinkle in Time is basically science fiction. There is no witchcraft. The children travel through space, so they meet some characters that have different abilities than humans would, that we might perceive as ‘magical’, but not in the witchcraft sense. I really enjoyed it, as well as many of Madeleine L’Engle’s books (this is the first in a series). We will definitely read it eventually, although 8 might be a bit young. I think many schools study it at the junior high level.
http://yareviews.wikispaces.com/A+Wrinkle+in+Time+-+Review+3 This is a fairly good review to give you a few more details, with links to more information about the author.
Joanne
I read this book years ago because it was recommended by Honey for a Child’s Heart (1st edition). I enjoyed it even though scifi/fantasy does not usually appeal to me.Interestingly, Gladys Hunt warned that L’Engle’s later books were too new age and to be avoided. However, in the most recent editions of Honey for a Child’s Heart she seems to recommend the Harry Potter series.Hmmm,what do others think about that?
A while back there was a discussion on Harry Potter http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/fantasy-literature#post-26718 I think the main issues with that was the magic and whether or not you thought is was right for your family. Since there is no wichcraft of that sort in A Wrinkle in Time, I don’t think it would be as contraversial as Harry Potter. It is more of when your child would be ready for the more “heavy” issues of living in darkness with no love or feelings.
The post I listed was shut down from further posting since most arguments for or against were made and it can be a touchy subject based on your own familes beliefs.
I haven’t ready the other stories in this book so I don’t know how new agey they get.
L’Engle I don’t think is really New Age. I have many, many of her books, both fiction and nonfiction, and she’s a Christian woman, although possibly a slightly INTERESTING one. The Wrinkle in Time series is by far her most accessible; some of her writing IS kind of “out there” although by “there” I don’t mean New Age exactly, just . . . different. Very different. I personally really love her writing and have ever since I was a girl. My boys have all read the Wrinkle in Time series and liked it; some have tried a few of her other things and have not cared for them so much. There IS evil in her books, but I don’t think at all a witchcrafty evil–the “evil” in Wrinkle in Time is actually kind of . . . bureaucratic. In fact the movie version of the book (which is only so-so, unfortunately) actually envisions a great mind-numbing orthodoxy-requiring bureaucracy.
I don’t think 8 is too young to read these books, exactly, but I do think a pre-teen would get a lot more out of them. These books were staples passed around in my teen Youth for Christ group way back in the . . . OK, way back.
We read these and the Narnia books and passed them around and then read them again. I was listening to the audio version awhile back and it got all messed up, so I plan to read the actual book in the future. I’d be perfectly fine with my kids reading it, as well.
The plot summary of this book at Wikipedia includes the children visiting a medium who uses a crystal ball to reveal unknown things to them. It also states that Charles Wallace has a spell cast over his mind and becomes taken over by the mind controlling planet. I did enjoy this book in my youth, but remember being spooked by it quite a few times in the process! In my opinion, it depends how spiritually mature a child is in his faith, as these aspects could be a bit overwhelming and even possibly enticing. My oldest is 11 and I am still not sure he is ready for this…maybe as a read aloud?!
You know, your comfort level is also a good indicator to help in the decision making process. I’d pray for God to give you a peace in your spirit if and when the time is right for the book to be read. There are loads more award winning books out there then there is time to read, and from a conservative christian standpoint, certainly some are best left avoided!
We read these and the Narnia books and passed them around and then read them again. 
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