Tag Archives: dystopia

Reader’s Annotation

When third son, Ender Wiggin, is chosen for elite training by the International Fleet it gets away from the torment of his evil older brother Peter, but it doesn’t guarantee his safety. Convinced that Ender is the only one who can rid the universe of Buggers, the alien race that threatens human existence, International Fleet commanders train Ender to become an elite super solider and defend the planet. Can IF control the weapon they’ve created?

Plot Summary

Ender is a third, and in a world where population is stringently controlled being a third is not a compliment. His parents had to get special permits to allow his birth, but that doesn’t give them anymore time to pay attention to him. When Ender gets chosen for training at the elite International Fleet (IF) Battle School in outer space he’s happy to get away from his evil older brother Peter, but leaving is sweet sister Valentine is harder.

The Battle School kids don’t make transition any less difficult. He’s going through grueling physical and mental training, and facing near constant, violent, torment by the likes of Bonzo de Madrid, a big bully who is outraged at Ender’s success in the classroom and in the mock battles between squads. Eventually Ender is forced to fight Bonzo, to the benefit of neither of them. Ender is terrified that he’s becoming as cruel as Peter and falls into a deep depression. Commander Graff promotes Ender to Command School to help distract him from his worries.

Though Command School is little different from Battle School, with mentally and physically exhausting demands, Ender throws himself into his work. He’s completing his trainings fast and with more ingenuity than ever before, wanting to show Commander Graff and his fellows that they can’t break him. Nearly too late Ender realizes that his been a pawn for the IF the whole time and makes a bold move to take control of his life and change the face of the universe.

Critical Evaluation

Author Information 

Orson Scott Card has written a ton of stories in the tradition of Ender’s Game. All told there are twenty stories and novels that make up the series. In addition to writing about Ender, Card also writes modern fantasy, novels inspired by the Bible, poetry, and American frontier fantasy.

He was born in Washington and grew up in California, Arizona and Utah. An active member of the LDS Church, Card did his mission in Brazil in the 70s. His most recent position is as a professor of writing and literature at Southern Virginia University. The film version of Ender’s Game is expected to release next year.

Genre

Science Fiction, War, Dystopia, Male Lead

Curriculum Ties

n/a

Booktalk Ideas

How is Ender like Peter? How is he different?

Reading Level/Interest Age 

13+

Challenge Issues

This is a violent book and that may make some users or their parents uncomfortable. We strongly encourage our users to choose books and items that are appropriate for them. As supporters of the ALA Library Bill of Rights we oppose censorship. We take requests for reconsideration very seriously and reserve the right to make the final decision after board review. Some alternate titles are: Foundation by Isaac Asimov or Spin by Robert Charles Wilson.

Reason for Inclusion

While many young women will enjoy this book I think it will also hold a strong appeal for young men and this collection needs more of that.