Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a legitimate classic that deserves its Newbery Medal, but let's be honest: many modern kids will find it slow and weird. The opening line ('It was a dark and stormy night') is both iconic and a red flag for the formal, meandering prose style ahead.

That said, if your kid can get past the 1960s pacing, there's real gold here. The ideas are genuinely mind-bending—tesseracts, fifth dimensions, a disembodied brain controlling an entire planet. Meg is a wonderfully imperfect heroine who saves the day not by being special but by being stubborn and loving. The book takes science seriously while also making room for faith and mystery.

The scary parts are legitimately scary—not gore, but existential dread. Camazotz, where everyone bounces balls in unison and children are punished for being different, is more unsettling than most modern horror. IT is creepy precisely because it's just a brain, pulsing with malevolent intelligence.

This works best as a read-aloud for 8-10 year olds or an independent read for strong 10-13 year olds who already love reading. If your kid devours books and likes weird, philosophical sci-fi, they'll probably love it. If they struggle with reading or prefer fast-paced action, this might be a tough sell. The 2007 edition is just a reprint—the text is still from 1962, so don't expect modern updates.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14 who can handle slower pacing and conceptual scares. Strong readers at 8 might manage it, but the themes and darkness are better suited to tweens who can grapple with existential ideas. Teens may find it too young unless they're nostalgic or literary-minded.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models strong family bonds, courage in the face of fear, and the power of love over evil. Meg's journey from insecurity to self-acceptance is emotionally healthy. The Murry family is warm and supportive, with parents who are brilliant scientists and loving caregivers. Charles Wallace and Calvin provide positive friendship models. The pacing can be slow by modern standards but isn't chaotic.

Imaginative

95

Groundbreaking sci-fi concept of tessering through space-time that still feels fresh. Introduces mind-bending ideas about dimensions, physics, and the nature of evil (IT, the disembodied brain). The three Mrs. W's are delightfully strange beings. Camazotz—the conformist dystopian planet—is genuinely creative and unsettling. Sparked generations of young readers to think about science, philosophy, and cosmic adventure. Newbery Medal winner for good reason.

Safe

82

No graphic violence, sex, or inappropriate language. The scary elements (IT, the dark thing, Charles Wallace's possession) are conceptual rather than gory. Some scenes can be genuinely frightening for sensitive kids—the conformity of Camazotz, the pulsing brain of IT, Charles Wallace turning cold and mean. The father is imprisoned and weakened, which could be distressing. Overall safe but has real tension and darkness that requires emotional readiness.

Enriching

90

Weaves quantum physics, theology, and philosophy into an adventure story. Encourages kids to embrace their differences and 'faults' as strengths. Meg's glasses, stubbornness, and love become her superpowers. Introduces real scientific concepts and name-drops Einstein, Bach, and Jesus as warriors against darkness. Explores conformity vs. individuality, the nature of evil, and the power of love. Rich themes without being preachy. Amazon rating of 4.4/5 suggests strong reader satisfaction.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Newbery Medal winner that introduced quantum physics and cosmic adventure to middle-grade readers in 1962 and still holds up conceptually
Meg is a genuinely flawed, insecure protagonist who wins through love and stubbornness, not by becoming perfect—refreshing then and now
The three Mrs. W's (Who, Whatsit, Which) are delightfully bizarre guardian angels who quote Shakespeare and transform into winged centaurs
Tackles big ideas: conformity vs. individuality, the nature of evil, science and faith coexisting, dimensions beyond our perception
First book in a five-book series if your kid gets hooked on the Murry family

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What to Watch For

The prose style is 1960s formal and the pacing is slow—kids raised on Percy Jackson may bounce off this hard
IT and the conformist planet Camazotz are genuinely creepy; Charles Wallace's possession can be disturbing for sensitive readers
Some Christian theological undertones (Jesus as a fighter against darkness) that are subtle but present
The 'tesseract' concept requires some mental gymnastics—not all kids will follow the physics

Conversation Starters

"If you could tesser anywhere in the universe, where would you go first?"
"Camazotz is all about everyone being exactly the same. Why do you think that's scary instead of peaceful?"
"Meg saves the day by loving Charles Wallace. When has loving someone helped you be brave?"
"Mrs. Whatsit says Meg's faults are her greatest strengths. What about you—what 'fault' might actually be a superpower?"
"The book lists Einstein, Michelangelo, and Shakespeare as fighters against the darkness. Who would you add to that list today?"

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A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L'Engle