In the supplemental reading "Madeline L'Engle on Herself" she discusses what it means to be an author. She states that she knew in college that she wanted to be awriter. It is reassuring to see that she actually did become a writer. She talks about how hard it is being a mother and writer at he same time, and the dedication that it takes. She writes that even on those days that she just doesn't feel like writing she forces herself to just sit down and do it. It is good to hear that from a successful writer. Another point she makes is that aspiring authors should not be goal-oriented in their mindset. With only success in mind when writing a book, it is impossible to make a clear reflection of what you actually want to say in your writing. She also acknowledges the fact that many authors have influenced her writing a great deal, which is evident in her books. She writes that every time she writes something she is taking a risk. It is ggod to know that successful writers are also afraid of failrure. The article then provides inspiration for college students and aspiring authors, knowing that evryone has to start somewhere.

A Wind in the Door has very scientific elements that make it both entertaining and educational. Many elements of the book incorperate linguistics, unlike the previous, A Wrinkle in Time. It seems that both books have very similar plotlines, and only the science behind the stories change. Both are stories of a battle betweeen good and evil, with tests of strength and morality for all characters. A Wind in the Door seems to be primarily focused on Meg, rather than on both her and Charles Wallace. Once again, Meg is forced into a situation in which she must save her brother. The storyline is very predictable, as it is almost the exact same as the previous book. There is a reoccuring theme of teachers helping the children to grow, the prescence of mythical creatures, a challenge the children must meet, and Charles wallace being in dire need of Meg's help. As the plotline is somewhat contradictiary to that in A Wrinkle in Time, the events that take place are a little confusing. Is there a darkness that is clouding Earth and bringing war and hate, or is it a rip in the galaxy? Are they related? It is all very unclear. The charateristics of the family are starting to wear, as the fact that they are scientists seems to be the only faccet of their lives. I guess that is why this is a childrens book, since they seem to be more beleiving and less critical.

Many people attempt to make science and math interesting for children. Few take on an approach that incorperates fantasy, science fiction, science fact, and adventure. In A Wrinkle in Time Madeline L'Engle successfully does this. However, she does not only draw more interest in those feilds for children, but for anyone that reads this book. Although there are some religious undertones, these books seem to promote more of an academic learning, unlike The Chronicles of Narnia. Both, however, encourage the continual use of imagination, and challenge the normal way of thinking.
There are many elements that make A Wrinkle in Time a fantasy novel as well as a science fiction one. The prescence of dragons, centaurs, and other mythical creatures are used make science interesting and fantastical. Archetypal elements also make this book a classic adventure story. In this sense, Madeline L'Engle has a very unique writing style.
In A Wind in the Door we once again follow the adventure of the Murry family. The story is based around the existance of mitochondria and their importance to our very being. The science behind this story is very interesting, though some of the events thus far are pretty unbelievable. L'Egle once again uses a combination of science and mythical beings that all children are interested in, like dragons, to create a coming of age story for children. Dealing with such issues as mean principles, bullys, and parents, she gives confidence to children, reminding them that they don't have to fit in to be happy and successful. A Wind in the Door has a very similar feel to A Wrinkle in Time, though the story line seems to be a little weaker.

Many people attempt to make science and math interesting for children. Few take on an approach that incorperates fantasy, science fiction, science fact, and adventure. In A Wrinkle in Time Madeline L'Engle successfully does this. However, she does not only draw more interest in those feilds for children, but for anyone that reads this book. Although there are some religious undertones, these books seem to promote more of an academic learning, unlike The Chronicles of Narnia. Both, however, encourage the continual use of imagination, and challenge the normal way of thinking.
There are many elements that make A Wrinkle in Time a fantasy novel as well as a science fiction one. The prescence of dragons, centaurs, and other mythical creatures are used make science interesting and fantastical. Archetypal elements also make this book a classic adventure story. In this sense, Madeline L'Engle has a very unique writing style.
In A Wind in the Door we once again follow the adventure of the Murry family. The story is based around the existance of mitochondria and their importance to our very being. The science behind this story is very interesting, though some of the events thus far are pretty unbelievable. L'Egle once again uses a combination of science and mythical beings that all children are interested in, like dragons, to create a coming of age story for children. Dealing with such issues as mean principles, bullys, and parents, she gives confidence to children, reminding them that they don't have to fit in to be happy and successful. A Wind in the Door has a very similar feel to A Wrinkle in Time, though the story line seems to be a little weaker.

The first thing that comes to mind when reading A Wrinkle in Time is the similarities and differences between this and other fantasy novels. The unlikely hero seems to be a pretty common theme in this genre. In both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, not to mention every C.S Lewis book that we have read, there is a character who may not appear heroic at first that must come of age by the end of the story. Fantasy novels are very much laden with archetypes.
In A Wrinkle in Time the unlikely heros are Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, and their classmate Calvin. There is always a magician or wise older sage that must play gatekeeper and help them attain their goals. In this case, Ms. Who, Ms. Whatsit, and Ms. Which will show them how to acheive their goal, which is finding their dad. They meet Calvin on their way to Ms. Whatsit's house, and it is immediately clear that he will have a major role in the story, even though they just met him.
The story of the unlikely hero gives the everyday person hope on acheiving their goals, especially when it is pretaining to bookish kids, who are likely to be reading this book. Although Meg and Charles Wallace are exceptionally bright, they lack the experience and confidence needed to really grow into themselves. Although I have read this book, I do not remember much, so I am looking forward to seeing how this turns out- again.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was a really enjoyable read. The episodic plotline kept things interesting and set up a storyline that was very different from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In many ways it is similar to events in the Bible, in that it was a sequence of events that teach a way of life. From Reepicheep they learn about honor and valiance, from Prince Caspian courage and loyalty, and of course, faith from Aslan. Aslan continually appears, often saving the day at the last minute. He offers his wise advice, and then disapears, only to be see again the next time the crew find themselves in a bind. He helps Eustace transform into a good person, helps steer Lucy away from tempting spells at the magicians house, and convinces Caspian that he must not stay at the end of the world. Aslan acts as a guiding mentor, and provides protection when they most need it. It says much about human nature and we can all see some of our own personal traits in some of the characters, and in turn learn from their mistakes. Reepicheep was the best character, because even though he was made such a small creature as a mouse, he overcomes any physical misgivings and always sticks up for himself. This is a good theme to have in children's fantasy, because kids need to learn that they can do anything, no matter what hardships come to you. I especially liked Reepicheep as portrayed in the BBC version of Prince Caspian. Although it was kind of corny, it was pretty true to the books, and had they more money to spend I'm sure it would have been great, even though that's sort of the charm of it. It did help put together the events of the book for those of us that didn't read it, because listening to people try to explain it got pretty confusing at times. I can't wait to start reading the rest of the books in my free time!

During the first few chapters, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader may not not seem overtly symbolic or religous. Many transformations take place, in cluding Eustace's coming of age story. In each chapter a moral lesson unfolds as their adventures do. In the Lone Islands they learned that slavery was wrong by being captured themselves. The storm tested their courage. At Dragon Isaland Eustace underwent his transformation that forever changed who he was. He lost his tough shell and was able to then open up and form friendships. At Death Island they leanred the dangers of greed upon finding a pool that turns everything, including people, to gold. Lucy's faith is tested when she is forced to read from a magicians book and find a spell. The magician turns out to be good, and helps them with useful information and food for thier journey. Lucy is tempted by some of the spells, but Aslan appears and tells her not to use any except the one to make the Dufflepuds visible again. On the Dark Island they find one of Caspain's Father's friends that they had been searching for, and he had been in a place where all your dreams (including the bad ones) come true. At the end of the world they find an island that has a retired star that watches traveller's arrive and gives them food. Siren- like sea people appear and Repicheep dicovers his destiny and decides to stay to travel further into the end of the world. At the end there comes the surprise that the Pevensie children will not be allowed to return to Narnia. It is here where there is a lot of religous connotation. Aslan reminds them that he will always be there with him, and that he has another name in thier world, and we are to assume that he means Jesus. This is a story with many twists and side adventures with something completely different in each chapter. Most dramatic was the change in Eustace, and he is brought into another later book as a changed person. Each island teahes the crew a different moral that seems to be pretty Biblically influenced, and that idea is continually supported by several appearnces by Aslan and his helpers.

During the first few chapters, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader may not not seem overtly symbolic or religous. Many transformations take place, in cluding Eustace's coming of age story. In each chapter a moral lesson unfolds as their adventures do. In the Lone Islands they learned that slavery was wrong by being captured themselves. The storm tested their courage. At Dragon Isaland Eustace underwent his transformation that forever changed who he was. He lost his tough shell and was able to then open up and form friendships. At Death Island they leanred the dangers of greed upon finding a pool that turns everything, including people, to gold. Lucy's faith is tested when she is forced to read from a magicians book and find a spell. The magician turns out to be good, and helps them with useful information and food for thier journey. Lucy is tempted by some of the spells, but Aslan appears and tells her not to use any except the one to make the Dufflepuds visible again. On the Dark Island they find one of Caspain's Father's friends that they had been searching for, and he had been in a place where all your dreams (including the bad ones) come true. At the end of the world they find an island that has a retired star that watches traveller's arrive and gives them food. Siren- like sea people appear and Repicheep dicovers his destiny and decides to stay to travel further into the end of the world. At the end there comes the surprise that the Pevensie children will not be allowed to return to Narnia. It is here where there is a lot of religous connotation. Aslan reminds them that he will always be there with him, and that he has another name in thier world, and we are to assume that he means Jesus. This is a story with many twists and side adventures with something completely different in each chapter. Most dramatic was the change in Eustace, and he is brought into another later book as a changed person.

The Voyage of The Dawn Treader differs greatly from the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Many of the characters from the ladder reappear in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Although many new characters are introduced, they all seem to be connected somehow. In the first four chapters Lucy and Edmound are forced into staying with their cousin Eustace, whose spiteful and bratty personality serves as moralty lesson on how not to be.
In this setting Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin our on their own, and are surrounded by other people of high status in Narnia, including the new king, Caspian. As opposed to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the characters are quite familiar with Narnia and their own strengths. This creates a different dynamic, and it obvious that they have learned a lot since they have become kings and queens. In chapter four there is a debate over the morality of slavery, and in the end they outlaw slave trade.
Eustice is a very self-righteous and whiney boy, and from showing his childlike faults and how the others deal with him just how mature they have become. There is a situation in which he is requested to stand and fight against a mouse knight, but he can't even beleive they are serious. He is portrayed as aboy with no imagination, and can't accept the fact that he isn't dreaming.
Unlike book two, in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader the portal into Narnia is a painting of a ship in Eustace's home. Thus far this story is less epic and more light-hearted. No matter how nice they are to Eustace, his stubborness and probably a bit of jealousy keep him from opening up. In this book there is also less blatant religous connotations. The story is much more simple, and concerns only a few small sections of Narnia, like the Lone Islands. When they arrive, the governing powers of the new king, Caspian are tested.
The characters have changed and grown, but their personalities are the same. Not much about the rest of the adventures that have occured in between now and then are explained, which makes it easier to understand without having read the previous books. Alhough they are all intertwined, it isn't really necessary to read them all in chronological order.