Ender's Game

Ender's Game
by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game

Grades 6 & up

Science Fiction

The Pathfinder Series
The Mithermages Series
Other books in the Ender Collection

Book Summary:
It is not easy to clearly describe this book without giving away too much. Ender is a genius, the youngest of three children, who is taken from his family to train as a battle leader in a futuristic society. His brilliance is an asset and a curse, and the book deals with how leadership can be lonely, as well as what it takes to command respect from others.

Ender's older siblings provide an interesting sub-plot. His brother, considered too hardened to be useful, is antagonistic and jealous of Ender. His sister, also brilliant, is judged to be too compassionate for the training.

This is the first book in the Ender Quintet, and there are other books in a collection about the Formic Wars.

Book Review:
While there are several things which require great suspension of disbelief, that is true with any science fiction book. This is a story guaranteed to inspire interesting discussions about leadership, societal supremacy, and the obligation of geniuses to help society, even at the expense of their personal well-being.

"We're at a point now where every frozen soldier makes a difference in the standings. Nothing personal, Wiggin, but I'm sure you can get your training at someone else's expense."
p. 77