Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Bibliography:
Card, O.S. Ender's Game. Tom Doherty Associates. (1977).
Summary:
Andrew Wiggins may only be six years old, but his family and the government both know there is something special about him. Born a Third- a child concieved only by permission of the government as an exception of the population limiting laws- Ender is hoped to be of use to the government. With his thoughts, actions, and emotions "monitored" by the government since he was three, it becomes apparent that Ender is the perfect blend of his siblings: the compassion of his sister, Valentine, and the determination and relentlessness of his older brother, Peter. It is because of this blend that the government selects him for enrollment in Battle School, a school in space whose purpose is to train children to be elite soliders to fight against the buggers, space invaders who nearly wiped out the human race more than seventy years ago. It is in Battle School that Ender emerges through his innovation in war games as a natural leader, and gives the military the hope of creating their next military hero in the face of inevitable war against the buggers.
Though Ender is the best at what he does, he finds little comfort and no joy in his triumph. Pushed to his limits and beyond, Ender is forced to decide what is truly important, and finally comes to accept who it is that he is destined to be.
Thoughts:
As a less-than-enthusiastic reader of science fiction, I was skeptical when I began to read Ender's Game. Though told by peers that it was an exciting and thought-provoking read, I was afraid that the scientific concepts and technical language I associate with science fiction would prevent me from appreciating the book as some do.
I was wrong. Ender's Game hooked me from the beginning, immediately connecting me emotionally to Ender as he shared his thoughts and feelings regarding his monitor, how the monitor effected his relationship with peers and his brother, and how he worked so hard to be anything but what his brother embodied. As my emotions connected with Ender, my mind was intrigued by the concept of population limitations, government monitoring, and, ultimately, intergalactic combat and relations. The scientific concepts and ethical dilemmas presented by Card are easy to follow, yet provoke much thought and debate regarding intergalactic warfare, space travel, population limitations, and even child labor. The plot moved forward without lag, and the reader becomes even more attached to Ender, his family, friends made in Battle School, and even Graff, the commander who does what he feels is necessary to mold Ender into an unstoppable force. I would recommend Ender's Game to even the most reluctant reader of science fiction.
Reviews:
"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." - School Library Journal
"Card has taken the venerable sf concepts of a superman and interstellar war against aliens, and, with superb characterization, pacing and language, combined them into a seamless story of compelling power. This is Card at the height of his very considerable powers—a major sf novel by any reasonable standards." - Booklist
Ideas for Use:
This story introduces great debate between characters and even among readers regarding Graff's treatment of Ender. Though seemingly acting out of love, Graff pushes Ender to his emotional, mental, and physical limits for the sake of making him into the best possible commander. As this novel is aimed for young adults, middle school and up, it would be appropriate for its older readers to stage a debate about the treatment of Ender. One side should argue as with Graff, pointing out the merit of training Ender as he was trained. Another side should take the side of advocate for Ender and children's rights in general, and persuade the others that his treatment was inappropriate for his age and well-being. Have the class listen to the debate and decide on a winner.
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