Women's Classic Literature Enthusiasts discussion

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A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time
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A Wrinkle in Time - Spoilers Allowed
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☯Emily , The First
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Mar 31, 2021 07:23PM

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I currently teach courses about banned or challenged books that are read in our schools. A Wrinkle in Time has been consistently challenged by parents. For more information on why see the following: https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/m... and https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018....
What do you think?
What do you think?

Great article. Thanks. This from the NYT obituary: “Of course I’m Meg,” Ms. L’Engle said about the beloved protagonist of “A Wrinkle in Time.” Who knew this book was that big? So much for parents checking out what their children are reading. I never took a look at this when my kids were devouring it. It's popularity is probably due in part to parents complaining about it.
My good friend, a middle school literature teacher, was teaching unit on mythology, and referred to "Christian mythology". Well. She got in a bit of hot water, as I'm sure you can imagine. I don't believe in magic, Christian or otherwise, but I certainly never wanted to censor stories that include it. As long as love wins over evil. I do think children (and myself) need hopeful stories.

I liked it, although parts after Chapter 2 dragged a bit, the second half was rally great. I particularly liked Megan's spiky character - unusual for the time this book was written.

Hello, this is my first post here. I love this book. I read it in 1972 when I was in 5th grade, and recently as a teacher. I think sometimes the problem with children's books is that teachers introduce them a bit too early. The rule is that a "read aloud" book that is read to the students should be two reading levels above the students' independent level. Many people will proudly say they read a book at a very young age, earlier than others, yet just comprehending the words on a page is not enough. My school teaches A Wrinkle in Time in Sixth Grade. So far we have not had any objections. This is when most students can read it independently and more importantly interpret it. As a parent (who is also a teacher) I thought it was a terrible idea when a teacher read Harry Potter aloud to my daughter at the start of Fourth Grade. She did not comprehend the story and had nightmares over the spiders. Although I did not complain. Much parent opposition comes from the age at which a book is introduced. I noticed it was a group of Fourth Grade parents who objected.
Ok that said, some people just plain object no matter what the age.
I agree that many people protest a book because it is not age-appropriate. I just finished a class on The Giver by Lois Lowry. It has been constantly challenged because some parents don't think it should be taught in fourth and fifth grades. I happen to agree with that assessment.
Introducing books that are too mature will lead some children to hate reading.
Introducing books that are too mature will lead some children to hate reading.

I agree. The Giver is another book I love and have taught, but perhaps Fourth and Fifth Graders are too young.

I was surprised to find people want it on ban lists, especially religious people. It seemed very overtly religious to me, personally.