I didn't purchase this book, I won it...however, I would have bought it eventually. But I didn't have to, so woo-hoo for me! Now, to the review:

I enjoyed this book quite a bit! Being that it was first published about 50 years ago, I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was hooked from, "It was a dark and stormy night."

The story is centered around Meg and Charles who (along with their friend, Calvin) are looking for their father. The kids are helped by an amazing cast of characters (including Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Aunt Beast), some of whom can actually morph into other creatures. Evidently, dad has successfully traveled through time and space and is trapped somewhere far, far away by a force from which he cannot escape - a force which, it seems, can hijack your mind and alter your sense of reality. Meg is the older sister to Charles - who has special, and perhaps unnerving, gifts. "Ordinary" Meg seems to feel inferior because of this and sometimes doubts herself. These gifts Charles has may put him in danger on their quest to reclaim their father, however. Can Meg save him? Can she save them both? You will have to read it to find out because I am not going to tell you. Heheheh.

There were several allusions made to biblical texts and principles throughout the book. I have no problem with this - I read the Bible. It's the only book I read every day. I did have a little issue with the author equating Jesus with famous, dead philosophers, scientists, composers - great men, but men nonetheless. If you are a Christian (as I am), you might take issue with this as well - as if the author is suggesting that Christ was not divine. I've read that Madeleine L'Engle was a Christian, so I wonder if this was actually the intention. However, aside from this one thing, I enjoyed the book enough to give it four stars.
( )

Independent reading level grades fifth through eighth.

Fascinating tale!

Even while repeating Meg's angst, it propels the mystery to its surprise ending. ( )

Adventure

Actually had never read this. It was a little wacky. But it all kind of made sense and had a good ending. ( )