Module 5: Ender's Game

Summary. Andrew Wiggins, known as Ender to all, is thrust into a position in history and society that he never desired. At age six, he is commissioned to Battle School and trained to lead Earth's armies against the wicked buggers. Twice Earth has almost been defeated by the buggers in enormous galactic battles, and the Third Invasion is imminent. Ender was bred to lead, but he is despised for his youth and inexperience, as well as for being a “third” – his society only allows families to raise more than two children under extraordinary circumstances. Ender must battle his way through life, confronting family, schoolmates, adults in charge of his training, even the few friends he makes. But will he be able to train fast enough to save his home planet, Earth?

Citation. Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. New York: Tor Books, 1985. Print.

My Impressions. This action-packed novel about the near-ending of Earth as we know it was a marvellous read. It is very difficult at times: we grow to like Ender, and the awful life he must lead in order to train quickly is almost unbearable. Commentary within the dialogue illuminates Card's messages about children, adults, those in power, the possibility of understanding one another, and the way we view our own planet. Very worthwhile.

Library Uses. Used as a springboard for a Teen Group book discussion, "Ender" could be analyzed in any number of ways. What do you think of the society in which he lives? Are parents and society's leaders justified in their decisions? Is this society abusive? What defines abuse?

Awards. Hugo Award 1986; Nebula Award 1985. Both awards are given for best fantasy/science fiction title in the preceding year.

Reviews. (Library Journal) A space-age Lord of the Flies thrill ride (sans the psychological couch trip), this follows six-year-old Ender Wiggin's odyssey from being the smartest, smallest boy in Battle School to savior of humankind. To prepare for an upcoming war with a devastatingly murderous insectoid race (the "formics," aka "buggers"), select earth children are trained on "the Battle Game." Aptest pupil ever Ender quickly rises to the top of Battle School, which has twice the nasty of any boarding school and all the charms of a snake pit (Battle School dude factors are endless). Many Card novels are spun outward from this tale, including the recent Ender in Exile. Dude factor: While these works can be enjoyed individually, they tend to enhance one another. For example, reading Ender's Shadow, which focuses on the fascinating and tragic character of Bean, is heightened by knowing all about Bean's hyperdevotion to (and competition with) Ender. The chronological details of various books remain in neat order, with some entries complementing others during simultaneous time frames and others serving as prequels or sequels. Also fascinating is the shift between the blunt action of Ender's Game and its two immediate sequels, Speaker for the Dead and Xenocide; these are completely different in style, yet similarly captivating on a philosophical plane.Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. (taken from commentary on an audio version)

(School Library Journal) Gr 7 Up-This new young adult edition of the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning classic sci-fi novel by Orson Scott Card, winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for outstanding lifetime contribution to writing for teens, includes an original postscript by the author in which he discusses the origins of the novel. is all about leadership. The novel asks: What does it take to successfully lead men into battle? The buggers have invaded Earth twice. The last time mankind survived only because of the brilliance of Mazer Rackham, commander of the International Fleet. Years later, a third invasion is feared and a new commander is sought. Ender Wiggin is only six years old when he is plucked to succeed Rackham and sent to the space station Battle School. He is isolated, ridiculed, bullied, and persecuted-but he survives and thrives. Using his astonishing intelligence, the boy learns to be a top-notch solider and, despite his youth and small stature, is quickly promoted up the ranks. By the age of 12, Ender learns the art of command and earns the respect and fear of his fellow soldiers. Despite Ender's age, this is not a children's novel. Its profound themes (and mild profanity) call for intelligent teens who appreciate a complex novel.-Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow,OK. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information