Madeleine L'Engle
Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer best known for her young adult fiction, particularly the Newbery Medal-winning 'A Wrinkle in Time' and its sequels. Her works often explore themes of science, spirituality, and the human condition.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. A Wrinkle In Time
The novel follows the story of a young girl named Meg Murry, her younger brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a cosmic journey to rescue Meg and Charles Wallace's father. The father, a scientist, has been missing since he discovered a new planet using the concept of Tesseract, which is a wrinkle in time. Guided by three mysterious celestial beings, the children travel across different dimensions, face evil forces, and learn about the power of love and self-sacrifice.
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2. A Swiftly Tilting Planet
In this science fiction-fantasy novel, the protagonist embarks on a time-traveling quest to prevent a global catastrophe. Guided by a unicorn, the protagonist uses a powerful rune to mentally leap through time and space, inhabiting the lives of different people throughout history who are connected to the present-day threat. As the protagonist influences the actions of these individuals, the narrative weaves a complex tapestry of interconnected events, emphasizing themes of family, love, and the interconnectedness of all things. The story challenges the protagonist to understand the ripple effects of actions across time, ultimately aiming to alter the course of history to save the world from impending doom.
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3. The Summer Of The Great Grandmother
Reflections on Family and Faith
The book is a poignant reflection on the complexities of aging and familial love, as the author recounts the summer when her mother faced the debilitating effects of old age and dementia. Set against the backdrop of a family's summer home, the narrative weaves together personal memories, family history, and philosophical musings on life and death. As the matriarch's health declines, the family grapples with the challenges of caregiving and the inevitable approach of loss, all while cherishing the moments of clarity and connection that shine through the shadows of her fading cognition. The work is a tender, introspective exploration of the bonds that hold families together through the trials of time and the cycle of life.
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4. The Time Quartet Box Set
A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters
This enchanting collection of four novels follows the adventures of the Murry family, particularly the young siblings Meg, Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin, as they traverse through time and space to confront cosmic forces of good and evil. Each story weaves a tapestry of science fiction, fantasy, and profound philosophical questions, exploring themes of love, courage, and the battle between light and darkness. The characters embark on journeys that challenge their understanding of the universe and their place within it, ultimately discovering the power of love and the strength found in unity and resilience.
The 15831st Greatest Book of All Time -
5. A Wind In The Door
In this fantastical science fiction novel, a young girl embarks on an extraordinary adventure to save her ailing brother. With the help of a few peculiar friends, including a cherubim and a teacher who transforms into a dragon, they journey into the microscopic universe within the brother's cells. There, they face the malevolent force of Echthroi, creatures determined to spread chaos and unmake the fabric of reality. As the protagonists confront challenges that test their courage and understanding of the universe, the story delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of all life, ultimately revealing that the fight to maintain balance and harmony is as much internal as it is external.
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6. Many Waters
In the novel, two teenage brothers accidentally travel back in time to the era just before the biblical flood. Stranded in a pre-deluvian world filled with seraphim, nephilim, and other mystical beings, they find themselves embroiled in the lives and struggles of the people of that time. As they search for a way back to their own time, they encounter love, temptation, and the impending catastrophe of the great flood, learning valuable lessons about responsibility and the complexity of human nature along the way.
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7. Walking On Water
Reflections on Faith and Art
In this reflective exploration of the intersection between faith and creativity, the author delves into the spiritual dimensions of the artistic process. Through a series of essays, she examines how art serves as a conduit for expressing deeper truths and connecting with the divine. The narrative weaves personal anecdotes, theological insights, and literary references to illustrate how creativity is both a gift and a calling, urging artists to embrace their role as co-creators with God. The work ultimately encourages readers to view their creative endeavors as acts of faith and to recognize the sacredness inherent in the act of creation.
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8. An Acceptable Time
In this captivating tale, Polly O'Keefe finds herself unexpectedly transported back in time to a prehistoric era, where she encounters a group of Native Americans and a mysterious Celtic tribe. As Polly navigates this ancient world, she becomes embroiled in a conflict between the two groups, discovering connections to her own family history and grappling with the complexities of time travel. With the help of her scientist grandparents and a young man named Zachary, Polly must find a way to bridge the gap between the past and present, ultimately learning about the enduring power of love and understanding across time.
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9. The Crosswicks Journals
This reflective and intimate series of journals offers a profound exploration of the author's personal life, weaving together themes of family, faith, and creativity. Through a collection of essays and musings, the narrative delves into the complexities of balancing the demands of motherhood and marriage with the pursuit of artistic expression. Set against the backdrop of a rural Connecticut farmhouse, the entries provide a candid glimpse into the author's inner world, capturing moments of joy, struggle, and spiritual growth. The work serves as both a memoir and a meditation on the interconnectedness of life and art.
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10. The Small Rain
Set against the backdrop of the vibrant world of music and theater, this coming-of-age novel follows the journey of Katherine Forrester, a young and talented pianist. As she navigates the complexities of adolescence, Katherine grapples with personal challenges, familial expectations, and the pursuit of her artistic dreams. Through her experiences, she learns about love, loss, and the resilience required to carve out her own identity in a world that often seems overwhelming. Her story is a poignant exploration of growth, self-discovery, and the enduring power of music.
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11. The Time Trilogy
A Wrinkle in Time
In this captivating series, readers are taken on an extraordinary journey through time and space, following the adventures of a young girl and her family as they confront cosmic forces and explore the boundaries of reality. The narrative weaves together themes of love, courage, and the battle between good and evil, as the protagonists encounter mysterious beings and traverse fantastical worlds. Through their quests, they learn about the power of individuality, the strength of familial bonds, and the importance of embracing one's unique gifts to overcome darkness and bring light to the universe.
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12. Two Part Invention
The Story of a Marriage
This poignant memoir delves into the intricacies of a long-lasting marriage, exploring the profound connection between two individuals who navigate the joys and challenges of life together. Through a tapestry of personal anecdotes, reflections, and letters, the narrative captures the essence of enduring love, companionship, and the inevitable trials that test the strength of their bond. It is a heartfelt tribute to the power of partnership, resilience, and the shared journey of two souls intertwined by fate and choice.
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13. The Irrational Season
The Crosswicks Journal, Book 3
In this reflective and deeply personal narrative, the author embarks on a spiritual journey through the liturgical year, weaving together elements of faith, family, and creativity. Each chapter corresponds to a different season, offering insights into the intertwining of the sacred and the everyday. Through poetic prose and thoughtful musings, the narrative explores themes of love, doubt, and the search for meaning, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the divine in the midst of ordinary experiences.
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14. A Circle Of Quiet
The Crosswicks Journal, Book 1
In this reflective memoir, the author delves into the serene and contemplative moments spent at her family’s country retreat, where she finds solace and inspiration amidst the chaos of everyday life. Through a series of personal essays, she explores themes of creativity, spirituality, and the challenges of balancing family life with her writing career. The narrative weaves together introspective musings with anecdotes from her life, offering readers a glimpse into the profound insights and quiet revelations that emerge from embracing solitude and nature.
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15. The Arm Of The Starfish
In this thrilling tale of intrigue and adventure, a young student named Adam Eddington finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and scientific discovery while working with a renowned marine biologist on a remote island. As Adam navigates the complexities of trust and deception, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving the regeneration of starfish limbs, a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough that could change the world. With the stakes higher than he ever imagined, Adam must decide who to trust and how far he is willing to go to protect the secrets that could alter the course of humanity.
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16. Dragons In The Waters
In this captivating mystery, a young boy named Simon Renier embarks on a journey to Venezuela aboard a ship, carrying a valuable family heirloom—a portrait of Simon Bolivar. As the voyage progresses, Simon becomes entangled in a web of intrigue when the painting is stolen and a murder occurs on board. With the help of his new friends, Simon must unravel the secrets surrounding the theft and murder, while uncovering hidden truths about his own family history. Set against the backdrop of the lush South American landscape, this tale weaves elements of adventure, suspense, and self-discovery.
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17. A House Like A Lotus
In this coming-of-age novel, a young girl named Polly O'Keefe embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Set against the backdrop of a summer trip to Greece, Polly grapples with complex relationships, particularly with a charismatic yet troubled woman named Max. As Polly navigates the challenges of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness, she learns valuable lessons about love, trust, and the intricacies of human connections. Through her experiences, Polly gains a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her, ultimately finding her own path to maturity and independence.
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18. Troubling A Star
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19. The Young Unicorns
The Young Unicorns (1968), ISBN 0-374-38778-8) is the title of a young adult suspense novel by American writer Madeleine L'Engle. It is the third novel about the Austin family, taking place between the events of The Moon by Night (1963) and A Ring of Endless Light (1980). Unlike those two novels and Meet the Austins (1960), it does not center on Vicky Austin specifically, but on a family friend, Josiah "Dave" Davidson.
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