A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle (1995, Paperback, Reissue)

A Wrinkle in Time is a story intended for children, particularly, young teens or pre-teens. It is part coming-of-age, part save-the world where three children “tesser” to another place in time in search of a scientist, who is father to two of the children. The story is full of lessons about accepting one’s shortcomings and differences, while expounding upon your own strengths. It interweaves biblical teachings and scripture, though not so often as to be off-putting to those who avoid preaching disguised as literature.
The story qualifies as fantasy literature, though may also be cross-classified as sci-fi, due to space- and time-travel. There are three pseudo-witches, who are really fallen stars acting as guardian angles over the time-traveling children. One assumes a centaur-like body in order to fly the children to a mountain on another planet, in order to view the “Black Thing” which is a symbol of evil that must be fought throughout the story. Hence, the “good versus evil” theme is present throughout the tale.
Our least-likely savior, a teenaged under-achiever with a bad attitude, ends up as our hero, having saved both her father and her little brother (himself a brainiac genius) from IT, who lives to serve the Black Thing. Her power over evil is nothing more or less than the love she has for her family, which leaves the reader with a heartwarming moral: “love conquers all.”
I think this is a fine story to share with pre-teen children, as that’s a time when self-acceptance is crucial, but often difficult. A young person can learn from these characters that it is okay to be different and, in fact, sometimes it’s a preferable state. Fantasy is an excellent vehicle in which to convey these points to a young mind.

When I was in elementry school I read Wrinkle in Time and loved it. Of course, I wanted to share that with my daughters and they love it. The oldest is seven and takes the book with her to read it constantly. Its a classic that should remain in print. If you can find a copy, hold on to it for the special kids you know.

"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle is a truly great classic children's book and one of the best chapter books of the 20th century. Its literature awards include Newbery medal. The main characters of the story are three children: Meg Murray, her brilliant younger brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin. They travel through time and space to rescue Meg's father, who is held prisoner by dark forces on the planet of Camazotz. "A Wrinkle in Time" is a good read aloud book. Children in 4th grade through 7th grade can learn about the battle between good and evil and the power of love from this science fiction and fantasy book.