A Wrinkle in Time Trilogy
The Time Quintet Series
on Goodreads (7,818)
What’s inside...
Fifty years ago, Madeleine L'Engle introduced the world to A Wrinkle in Time and the memorable characters Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe. This volume collects their first three adventures, where they tackle challenges ranging from rescuing Mr. Murry from the Dark Thing to preventing nuclear war. The trilogy has won numerous accolades and continues to inspire readers worldwide.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
800 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Margaret 'Meg' Murry
Gaudior
Proginoskes
Dr. Kate Murry
Dr. Alex Murry
Calvin O'keefe
Charles Wallace Murry
Mrs. Which
Mrs. Who
Mrs. Whatsit
Mr. Jenkins
Discussion points
How do Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin each show courage in different ways? What does courage mean to you?
Why do you think it's important that the characters learn to trust and rely on each other? Have you ever had to trust someone in a difficult situation?
What role does family play in the story, and how does it impact the characters' decisions and actions?
How do the different worlds in the book compare to our world? What would you do if you were to visit one of those worlds?
What did you learn about facing fears and overcoming challenges from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use specific scenes or characters' actions as a starting point to talk about similar experiences in your child's life.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative outcomes for different scenarios in the book, fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the moral and ethical choices characters make and relate them to real-world situations your child might face to develop empathy and ethical reasoning.
Revisit the book's central themes, such as love, acceptance, and perseverance, after finishing and relate them back to personal experiences to reinforce these values.
Focus on understanding, not just recalling facts from the story. Ask your child how certain parts made them feel and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and individuality
Explanation: Throughout the 'A Wrinkle in Time' trilogy, the protagonist, Meg, exemplifies courage and the power of embracing one's unique qualities to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own differences and face difficult situations with bravery, knowing that their individual traits make them strong.
Example Lesson: The value of love and family unity
Explanation: Meg's journey is motivated by her deep love for her missing father and her brother Charles Wallace, demonstrating how familial love can drive individuals to face unimaginable challenges.
Real-World Application: This instills the importance of family bonds and caring for loved ones, encouraging children to value and support their family members in any situation.
Example Lesson: Understanding the battle between good and evil
Explanation: The battle against the dark forces in the trilogy symbolizes the eternal conflict between good and evil, highlighting the moral choices characters must make.
Real-World Application: Children learn to discern right from wrong and understand the impacts of their choices, promoting moral development and ethical decision-making.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge and education
Explanation: Characters like Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who use knowledge as a tool to guide and educate Meg and her friends on their quest, showing that knowledge is essential in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the importance of education and continuous learning in solving problems and achieving one’s goals, inspiring children to value and pursue knowledge.