Ender's Game
#1 in Ender's Saga Series
on Goodreads (1,431)
What’s inside...
The never-before-told prequel to ENDER'S GAME! An unidentified ship is rocketing toward Earth with tech far beyond anything we've ever seen, and the only people who can give warning are a small band of asteroid miners millions of miles from home. The clock is ticking, and it doesn't look good for the human race. From New York Times-bestselling author Orson Scott Card comes the tale of humanity's first contact with the Formics - and the horrible toll it took on mankind. Collecting FORMIC WARS: BURNING EARTH #1-7. Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate. The result of genetic experimentation, Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast. But Ender is not the only result of the experiment. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway almost as long. Ender's two older siblings, Peter and Valentine, are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. While Peter was too uncontrollably violent, Valentine very nearly lacks the capability for violence altogether. Neither was found suitable for the military's purpose. But they are driven by their jealousy of Ender, and by their inbred drive for power. Peter seeks to control the political process, to become a ruler. Valentine's abilities turn more toward the subtle control of the beliefs of commoner and elite alike, through powerfully convincing essays. Hiding their youth and identities behind the anonymity of the computer networks, these two begin working together to shape the destiny of Earth-an Earth that has no future at all if their brother Ender fails.
Discussion points
How do you think Ender felt when he was chosen for Battle School? Have you ever been in a situation where you were singled out? How did it make you feel?
What qualities do you think make a good leader? Do you see any of these qualities in Ender or the other characters?
Ender faces many moral dilemmas throughout the book. What would you have done in his place during the final simulation?
How do the relationships between the characters affect their decisions and actions? Can you relate to any of these dynamics in your own relationships with friends or family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why they think that.
Relate aspects of the story to your child’s life, such as friendships, school, and facing challenges, to make the themes more relevant and engaging.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to consider how the story might continue. Ask what they would write in a sequel, or how the characters might evolve.
Discuss the ethical questions raised in the book. This not only deepens comprehension but also helps in developing critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Ender Wiggin, is thrust into a leadership role at a young age, learning to make strategic decisions and bear the consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking initiative and understanding the impact of their decisions on others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Ender demonstrates deep empathy by understanding his opponents deeply, which is key to his success but also brings him inner conflict.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, aiding in conflict resolution and fostering kindness.
Example Lesson: The consequences of isolation
Explanation: Ender's isolation from his peers and family highlights the emotional and psychological effects of loneliness.
Real-World Application: It underscores the importance of social interaction and encourages children to cultivate friendships and maintain family bonds.
Example Lesson: Questioning authority
Explanation: Ender often questions the motives and decisions of his superiors, which leads to a broader understanding of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of critical thinking and not accepting information at face value, promoting intellectual independence.
Example Lesson: The weight of leadership
Explanation: Ender feels the heavy burden of leadership, learning that decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that being in charge is not just about power but also about care and responsibility towards others.