A Wrinkle In Time

Published on November 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Genre Children's Literature-Fantasy
Suggested Age Range 10-14
Suggested Grade 5th grade- 8th grade
Lexile Level 740L
Bibliographic Information L'Engle, M. (1962). A wrinkle in time. New York: Ariel Books

A Wrinkle In Time

A Wrinkle in Time follows Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they go on an inter-dimensional journey to rescue Meg’s father, a scientist who has gone missing while experimenting with time travel.  Guided by three mysterious beings, Mrs. Whats-it, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, the children “tesser” through space and encounter strange worlds, including the dark planet Camazotz, where a powerful force known as IT controls the minds of its inhabitants.  Through courage, love, and Meg’s determination, the children confront the darkness threatening not only her family but the universe.

Thoughts about the writing of the author

Madeleine L’Engle’s writing blends science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy in a way that feels both imaginative and deeply human.  Her prose is accessible to young readers but layered with complex ideas about identity, courage, and the nature of good and evil.  L’Engle’s strength lies in her ability to create emotionally rich characters like Meg, whose insecurities and growth make her one of the most relatable protagonists in children’s literature.  The author’s willingness to explore abstract scientific and moral concepts without talking down to her audience gives the novel enduring depth and makes it a standout in the genre.

Why has the book been challenged?

 

A Wrinkle in Time has been challenged multiple times since its publication, often for its perceived religious and philosophical content. Some critics argued that the book’s blending of Christian themes with elements of fantasy and science fiction was either too religious or improperly religious. Others took issue with the novel’s portrayal of authority and conformity, especially on the planet Camazotz, which some felt promoted political or anti-establishment messages. Additionally, the appearance of supernatural beings and references to psychic or metaphysical powers led some groups to label the book as promoting the occult. These controversies have contributed to its history as a frequently challenged book.

 

 

Lesson Sketch

Objective:

After reading selected chapters and participating in a guided discussion, 6th grade students will analyze how Meg changes throughout the story by indentifying at lease three key events that influence her development with 80% accuracy in a written response.

Discussion Questions (2–3)

  1. How does Meg’s understanding of what makes her “different” change from the beginning to the end of the story?

  2. What does the planet Camazotz reveal about the dangers of conformity? How does the author use this setting to communicate a message about individuality?

  3. What role does love play in defeating IT? Why do you think L’Engle chose this as Meg’s most powerful “weapon”?

 

Standard (Common Core ELA):

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 – Describe how a story's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Activity: Character Journey Timeline

Students will work in small groups to create a visual timeline showing Meg's growth throughout the novel.

Steps:

  1. Groups identify five major events that significantly impact Meg.

  2. On chart paper or a digital tool (Google Slides, Padlet, Canva), students map each event on a timeline.

  3. For each event, they include:

    • Brief description of the event

    • Illustration or symbolic image

    • A sentence explaining how this moment changes Meg

  4. Groups present their timeline to the class, highlighting patterns in Meg’s development.

Purpose:
This activity strengthens comprehension of plot development, character change, and theme—core elements of middle school ELA standards.

Outside Resources

Multiple websites to choose form to continue learning about this particular story.

Online Interactive Library

We offer a range of TeachingBooks: A Wrinkle in Time Resources
https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=1878 services tailored to meet your individual needs.

Author's Website 


Madeleine L'engle website

Parent and child guide to read the book.

https://www.madeleinelengle.com/mother-daughter-book-club-guide-to-a-wrinkle-in-time/

 

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