A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time

Book • 1973

by Madeleine L'Engle

It was a dark and stormy night Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and her mother had come down to the kitchen for a midnight snack when they were upset by the arrival of a most disturbing stranger. "Wild nights are my glory," the unearthly stranger told them. "I just got caught in a downdraft and blown off course. Let me sit down for a moment, and then I'll be on my way. Speaking of ways, by the way, there is such a thing as a tesseract." A tesseract (in case the reader doesn't know) is a wrinkle in time. To tell more would rob the reader of the enjoyment of Miss L'Engle's unusual book. A Wrinkle in Time, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1963, is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe (athlete, student, and one of the most popular boys in high school). They are in search of Meg's father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government on the tesseract problem.

Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy / General
Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction / General
211 pages

Bara says...

Ages 9+, but every child is different

The story features complex physics concepts and existential themes that require a level of intellectual maturity to process. Younger viewers may find the atmosphere and abstract stakes overwhelming or difficult to follow.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

0/5

The story contains no romantic or suggestive content, focusing entirely on a fantastical adventure.

Violence & Gore

2/5

The conflict is largely non-physical, though there are stylized action sequences involving the struggle against an evil force.

Profanity

0/5

The dialogue is entirely clean and free of any inappropriate language or swearing.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

0/5

There are no depictions of alcohol, drugs, or smoking throughout the narrative.

Frightening Scenes

3/5

The film features mild psychological tension and atmospheric, otherworldly elements that may be intense or slightly scary for very young children.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This story is about being yourself, standing up for your family, and discovering that your unique qualities are your greatest strengths.

Content Warnings

Separation anxiety

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The narrative deals with the anxiety of a missing parent and incorporates surreal, potentially unsettling encounters with otherworldly entities.

What Kids Can Learn

Children gain perspective on critical thinking, self-acceptance, and the impact of individual choices on the wider world.

Key Topics Discussed

Space-time travel
Self-discovery
Scientific discovery

Why Parents Might Like It

The story offers a rich, thought-provoking narrative that encourages deep conversation about science, philosophy, and morality.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

5/5

Emphasizes the power of individuality, the importance of family bonds, and the necessity of courage in the face of fear.

Positive Role Models

4/5

Characters demonstrate resilience, loyalty, and the willingness to sacrifice for loved ones, serving as strong models for emotional intelligence.

Diverse Representations

3/5

No specific demographic diversity indicated in available information, though the text focuses on relatable character archetypes like the gifted outsider and the athlete.

Educational Value

4/5

Introduces high-concept scientific theories like tesseracts, dimensions, and space-time travel alongside themes of literary exploration.

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