An Old Novel Finds New Life In Pop Culture: Ender’s Game

A Review of Ender’s Game By Orson Scott Card

It is hard to say what first drew me to this novel.  I have seen it, and its sequels, in public school classrooms in our area.  A friend, concerned about censorship, and teachers getting treated badly by school administration, sent me a link to a news story where a person was nearly fired for reading from this book in class.

The teacher in question was also the subject of a criminal investigation related to this book being taught, and the story made national news at the time.  Here is how Forbes reported on it: South Carolina Teacher Suspended For Reading Students ‘Ender’s Game’ Will Not Face Criminal Charges

This story was originally published in 1977, by Analog, edited by Ben Bova.  It was not until 1985 that Tor published the story as a novel.  The book has staying power, and is being made into a movie starring Harrison Ford. At this time, IMDB, lists its release date in November 2013.

The story line is that aliens have twice attacked Earth, and humanity’s existence is at stake.  The government, through genetic breeding, is making a person to assume command of the battle fleet.  That person is Ender Wiggin.  He is only six years old at the start of the book.

As Ender, and others like him, are taken from their families for intense training, Ender must learn to adapt and survive.  Ender’s survival is not the only one at stake, for although he does not know it, time is running out.  His training may or may not be enough. No one knows.

This book is mandatory reading.  There, you have your assignment!  For young adults, the suspense will make a great story.  For those interested in leadership, the historical references will provide food for thought.  For educators, the moral purpose of education is good debate material.

For its originality and great story telling, this book gets 5 stars.