Set very far into the future, the world is on the brink of another war with "the buggers." The capacity for life on earth has become maxed out, thus parents are limited to two children per family. However, the Wiggin family has been asked specifically to have a third child because they produce brilliant children. However, the first two children - Peter and Valentine didn't work out for the military; therefore, the hope is that Ender will be a mix between the two children. Because he is the "third," Ender is not fully accepted by his parents, siblings, or peers. Ender proves to be a brilliant child, that is the right mix of character traits, so at age six, he is transferred to battle school where he will be trained in space combat in hopes of becoming the commander that can save Earth in the third war against the buggers.
This was one of the best audiobooks I have listened to in a long time. There were different voices to portray different characters, and the section by the author at the end was really enlightening. In his interview, Orson Scott Card, talks about how this story was originally published as a short story, and then changed into a novel about 10 years later. He also talks about the difference between science fiction and fantasy novel - the difference is if there are rivets. Not only does he discuss writing the novel, but he also discusses the challenges he faced when getting this novel turned into a movie, and how he was adamant that the main character couldn't be older than 12.
Challenge: In his interview, Orson Scott Card, reiterates that this book was written for adults, not children. Even though it was about children, he was not thinking that would be he primary audience, so the language throughout the novel is quite difficult.
Another challenge that would need to be pre-taught would be the details about the war that is brewing between the Soviet Union and the rest of the world. It talks specifically about the Warsaw Pact, so some background knowledge on this idea would be helpful. As well as background on Locke and Demosthenes, since this plays a large part in the novel.
Curriculum Connection & Themes: Characterization in this novel is key, especially the "decisions" that Ender has to make, even if they aren't fully his own choices. Students can explore questions such as what makes a good leader? or How do we react to those who challenge us or are different from us? Additionally, here is another Unit plan from Saskatchewan Teacher's Federation.
- Loss of Youth and Maturity
- Friendships and Community versus Isolation
- Freedom of Choice
- Bullying
Lexile: 780L
Interest Level: Late Middle School +
Controversial Scenes/Content: There are some scenes with violence, but nothing too bad. Also, there are no foul words in this book. The author mentioned that he was drawing from words his son used at 5-6 years old, so there is some "bathroom humor" about boys (e.g., the boys call each other "fart-brains") but no foul language.
Rating: 5/5