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A Wrinkle in Time Facts & Worksheets

“A Wrinkle in Time” is a science fantasy novel written by Madeleine L'Engle. First published in 1962, the book is the first in a five-part young adult series known as the “Time Quintet.” The novel received recognition with prestigious accolades such as the Newbery Medal, the Sequoyah Book Award, and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award.

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“A Wrinkle in Time” is a science fantasy novel written by Madeleine L’Engle. First published in 1962, the book is the first in a five-part young adult series known as the “Time Quintet.” The novel received recognition with prestigious accolades such as the Newbery Medal, the Sequoyah Book Award, and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. Additionally, it earned a runner-up position for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. It has since become a beloved and influential work in the realm of children’s literature. The narrative explores themes encompassing love, the conflict between good and evil, and the significance of individuality.

See the fact file below for more information about the Literature Study, A Wrinkle in Time or you can download our 24-page A Wrinkle in Time worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

AUTHOR AND BACKGROUND

  • Born on November 29, 1918, in New York City, Madeleine L’Engle was a prominent American author known for her prolific contributions to children’s literature.
  • Her father was a writer, and her mother played the piano, which made her love stories and creativity from a young age.
  • One of her most famous books is “A Wrinkle in Time,” but getting it published was not easy because publishers did not quite get the mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and big concepts she put into the story.
  • “A Wrinkle in Time” comes from L’Engle’s own life and what she believed in. 
  • She was a spiritual person who also loved science.
  • Even though publishing was tough at first, “A Wrinkle in Time” went on to win a big award called the Newbery Medal in 1963.
  • L’Engle kept writing imaginative stories as she left a lasting mark on books for young people.

MAIN CHARACTERS

  • Margaret “Meg” Murry, the story’s lead, stands out for her sharp mind and determined spirit despite having a touch of self-doubt. 
  • Her struggle revolves around fitting in and missing her father.
  • Meg takes charge of the quest to find her father.
  • From there, she discovers her inner strength along the way. 
  • Meg’s journey is the emotional core of the story, all about facing challenges and growing up.
  • Charles Wallace is Meg’s little brother, who’s exceptionally smart and has some mysterious, otherworldly abilities.
  • His enigmatic character brings in the cool elements of mystery and intelligence.
  • Charles is motivated by his desire to protect his family.
  • Calvin O’Keefe, a popular high school student and young athlete, joins Meg’s adventure.
  • He becomes an integral part of the trio and brings his unique traits to the Murry siblings.
  • Bringing in warmth and friendship, Calvin wants real connections and a sense of purpose, which makes him a great friend.
  • Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who serve as mentors in the storyline who guide the children through challenges.
  • To sum up their personalities, Mrs. Whatsit is adventurous, Mrs. Which is wise, and Mrs. Who talks in quotes.
  • Their goal is to assist the kids and take on the dark forces, bringing wisdom and guidance.
  • The Mrs. Ws contribute to the fantastical aspects and show how having mentors can make a big difference.

PLOT POINTS

  • In the captivating story of “A Wrinkle in Time,” thirteen-year-old Meg Murry sets off on an amazing quest to find her father, Dr. Alex Murry, who mysteriously disappeared. 
  • It all kicks off when Meg meets the quirky Mrs. Whatsit, who introduces her to the idea of a tesseract, which is something her dad was studying.
  • Meg, along with her intelligent little brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin O’Keefe, discovers that Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which are not your typical neighbors; they’re actually magical beings. 
  • Together, the children use tesseracts to travel through space and time by folding them up like a cosmic origami.
  • The trio are on a mission to face The Black Thing, a dark force spreading across the universe.
  • Guided by the three Mrs. Ws, the gang visits different planets that present each of its own challenges.
  • They learn about the battle between light and darkness, especially on the planet Uriel, where they witness The Black Thing in action. 
  • Meg finds out that Mrs. Whatsit used to be a star that sacrificed itself to fight against The Black Thing.
  • Their journey takes them to the spooky planet Camazotz, where Dr. Murry is stuck.
  • There, a brainy villain called IT also tries to make everyone act the same.
  • Charles gets mixed up with IT, and Meg has to pull off a daring rescue.
  • With the help of special glasses from Mrs. Who, they escape to the planet Ixchel, where weird-looking but kind creatures help Meg recover from a scary encounter with The Black Thing.
  • Back on Camazotz, Meg’s love for her brother breaks IT’s control, and they all tesser back to Earth. 
  • The Mrs. Ws disappear, and the Murry family is forever changed by their wild adventure through space and time.
  • Overall, the story of “A Wrinkle in Time” is a mix of science, magic, and the power of love that shows how people can shine bright for each other even in dark times.

THEMES

  • In the story, there’s a central battle between good (represented by light) and bad (embodied by The Black Thing).
  • Meg, Charles Wallace, and their space guides are on a mission to beat the bad forces and save Meg’s dad.
  • Being yourself and standing out are also  main themes in the story.
  • The characters, especially the Murry family, love their unique selves.
  • The power of love and family is another major theme.
  • Meg’s love for her family, especially her dad and brother, pushes her to do brave things. 
  • As for the themes of bravery and courage, the characters go on this wild adventure where they need to be brave.
  • Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin show how important it is to be pals and help each other when things get tough.
  • Meanwhile, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who show how having someone to guide you is a big deal when life gets tricky.
  • The book also mixes science and fantasy as tesseracts and space boundaries are included in the narrative.

AWARDS

  • In 1963, “A Wrinkle in Time” was awarded the Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature.
  • The book also won the Sequoyah Book Award and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1965, then the American Book Award in 1980.
  • It was a runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1963.

ADAPTATIONS

  • In 2003, a television adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time” was released with a cast that included Katie Stuart as Meg Murry.
  • In 2018, Disney released a big-budget film adaptation of “A Wrinkle in Time” directed by Ava DuVernay.
  • In 2012, it was adapted into a graphic novel format by Hope Larson.
  • It has also been adapted for the stage in various productions.

A Wrinkle in Time Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Literature Study, A Wrinkle in Time across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about A Wrinkle in Time. The novel received recognition with prestigious accolades such as the Newbery Medal, the Sequoyah Book Award, and the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. Additionally, it earned a runner-up position for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. It has since become a beloved and influential work in the realm of children’s literature. The narrative explores themes encompassing love, the conflict between good and evil, and the significance of individuality.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. A Wrinkle In Time Facts
  2. About the Author
  3. A Wrinkle of Words
  4. Literary Elements
  5. In Numbers
  6. Character Dossier
  7. Dissecting Themes
  8. Planet Brochure
  9. Meg’s Growth
  10. Personal Review
  11. Becoming A Trivia Master

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central theme of “A Wrinkle in Time”?

The central theme of “A Wrinkle in Time” is the battle between good and evil, the importance of love, and the power of individuality and non-conformity.

Who are the main characters in “A Wrinkle in Time,” and what are their roles?

The main characters are Meg Murry, Charles Wallace Murry, and Calvin O’Keefe. Meg is a young girl who embarks on a journey to rescue her father. Charles Wallace is Meg’s highly intelligent younger brother, and Calvin is Meg’s friend who accompanies them on their adventure. Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which are also important characters who guide the children on their journey.

What is the significance of the title, “A Wrinkle in Time”?

The title refers to the concept of traveling through space and time via “tessering,” a process described as folding or wrinkling space-time. This ability allows the characters to travel to different dimensions and planets in the universe.

How does the author use science fiction elements in “A Wrinkle in Time”?

Madeleine L’Engle incorporates elements of science fiction such as time travel, space travel, and otherworldly beings to create a fantastical universe where the characters undertake an epic adventure. The use of scientific concepts adds depth to the story and allows for exploration of complex themes.

What lessons or messages does “A Wrinkle in Time” convey to its readers?

“A Wrinkle in Time” teaches readers about the importance of embracing individuality, facing one’s fears, and the power of love and friendship. It encourages readers to question authority and conformity while advocating for empathy and understanding towards others.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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