Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Card, O. S. (1985). Ender's Game. New York: Tor Books. ISBN 0312932081

 

Plot Summary 

Two invasions by an alien race have the Earth readying for a third invasion.  The military is looking for children to shape into military weapons, and Ender Wiggin has proved to have all the acumen necessary despite being mercilessly teased and tormented by his older brother Peter.  As Ender is selected into Battle School by the military, he is placed in various games where his strategic genius is readily displayed.  Military officials manipulate situations so that he develops faster, acts colder, and he is finally moved to command school where he must complete simulations involving the entire Earth fleet.  Clealy he has been groomed, but is he the last hope that humanity needs, or that the military wants?

Critical Evaluation 

The militaristic themes of this novel are often critiqued, but underneath all of that is the story of a third-born child in a time where only two is lawful.  Ender is harassed and a nuisance to his own family.  Ultimately though, his intellect sets him free from this life, offering him new opportunities to excel.  The militarism that is critiqued is ultimately undermined by the end of the novel, with Ender, even though he was shaped to be coldly militaristic, becoming a beacon of peace and understanding in the universe.

Reader's Annotation 

After two invasions from the Formics, Earth must find a way to defend itself from a third attack.  Can the young prodigy Ender prove his worth and save the entire planet?

Author Information 

Orson Scott Card was born in Washington in 1951 but grew up in California, Arizona, and Utah.  He is an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doing missionary work in Brazil in the 1970s.  He graduated from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah where he received his master's degree in English.

He currently lives in North Carolina and is an active lecturer and essayist.  He is a prolific author of both science fiction and fantasy series, and there is an Ender's Game movie set to release in 2013 (About).

Genre 

Science fiction, adult title crossover

Curriculum Ties 

Reading and Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas 

As Hyrum Graff, discuss an observation of Ender in battle school, what makes him special, and noting that he may be the best hope for humanity's future.

Reading Level/Interest Age 

This book ranks a 780L on the Lexile Range.  As an adult title, it is perhaps more accessible to older teens.

Challenge Issues 

Violence and militarism involving children are addressed.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly.  Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone.  As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected
The surprise in the last act of Ender's Game stuck with me long after any other details.  The entire novel works up to this payoff, and I know many readers that delighted in its surprise.

Also, Ender's Game won the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel.

References 

About Orson Scott Card. (2013). Hatrack River. Retrieved March 28, 2013 from http://hatrack.com/osc/about.shtml