[djscram]

When I first read the book, I did think it was very compelling. But, as the book seems to have become core curriculum for every course on science fiction, I've come to think of it as really overrated. There are some very good, very innovative novels out there, and yet people keep teaching this one over and over.

I've also been around a lot of science fiction writers (I went to Clarion) and learned that Orson Scott Card is kind of an ass. I know that shouldn't change my judgement of the novel itself, but I still feel much less enthusiasm for it. (the sequels also soured me on the original a bit.)

[humanrebar]

As I've said in another comment, I think Ender's Game is unique in the way that it is about kids without being patronizing to young readers.

Other books may be better science fiction, but how many of them are as accessible to kids?

[anatoly]

Can you explain what do you mean about other books being patronizing to young readers? In what way are they patronizing?

Sure, there're many SF books that may be too complex for many young readers, but there's also lots of classic SF that people loved as kids. Take, I dunno, Azimov's I,Robot stories or his Foundation novels. Are those patronizing to young readers?

[humanrebar]

Outside of "kid befriends a misunderstood robot/alien/monster", there aren't many science fiction stories starring kids. Even within that genre, there is a reliance of the stereotype of kids being naive and good-hearted. In real life, kids can have their own brand of good critical thinking skills or even skepticism.

I guess what I mean is that in popular culture generally, kids are usually foils, adorably precocious, MacGuffins, or otherwise one-dimensional. They are usually defined by their relationships with adults and their problems are usually solved by an adult, a deus ex machina, or by magic.

Ender's Game does a great job of portraying a wide range of behaviors, character traits, and emotions within a cast of intelligent primary-school-aged kids.

[ef4]

I wouldn't say they're patronizing, but they don't often portray child characters that have any complexity or agency.

That is more rare, and I think it's one reason for Ender's Game's enduring appeal to young readers.

[humanrebar]

I think kids in real life tend to be treated as though they lack complexity and agency.

[lmm]

Rather than just saying it's overrated, why don't you give some examples of the same kind of thing done better?

[anatoly]

I agree with you that Ender's Game is really overrated. But you know what? I still think it works great to introduce someone to SF as a field, especially young people. Is there really a contradiction here?

[Sujan]

> There are some very good, very innovative novels out there

Source? (Links please?)

[anatoly]

Are you asking about good SF novels in general or those suitable to teach young kids?

For the former, there's so much SF better than Card's. Perhaps Gene Wolfe's _The Book of the new Sun_ cycle, with its brilliant writing and real moral complexity. Or Iain M. Banks' Culture novels.

For the latter, lots of classic SF - Azimov, Heinlein etc.

[Sujan]

Sorry, I was asking for general tips (that are better than Enders'game) I can add to my reading list. I loved some of Card's novels, but always looking to expand my horizon and find new stuff.

Thanks.

[groovy2shoes]

I'd put Dune on that list.

[humanrebar]

Dune is good, but would you cover it in a sixth grade Language Arts class?

[groovy2shoes]

In my experience, covering any literary work in "Language Arts" class is a good way to suffocate any interest a sixth grader might have in said work.

So no, I wouldn't.