Madeleine L'Engle ​

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer renowned for her young adult fiction, most notably the Newbery Medal-winning "A Wrinkle in Time" and its sequels. Her work often incorporates elements of Christian theology, realistic modern storylines, and fantastical or science-fiction themes.

Quick Facts ​

• Best known for her young adult fiction, particularly the Newbery Medal-winning A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels.
• Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.
• More than 10 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide.
• A movie adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time was released by Walt Disney Pictures in 2018.
• She was named a Library of Congress Living Legend.

Background ​

L'Engle was born in 1918 in New York City but grew up in various parts of Europe. She went to a boarding school in Switzerland before graduating from Smith College in 1941. After college, she began working in the theater, where she met her future husband, actor Hugh Franklin. L'Engle wrote her first novel, The Small Rain, in 1945. However, she gained fame with her novel A Wrinkle in Time, which won the Newbery Medal in 1963. This book is often cited as one of the most significant novels of the twentieth century for young readers. She continued to write sequels to A Wrinkle in Time, as well as other novels, poetry, and plays. L'Engle died in 2007.

Writing Style and Impact ​

L'Engle's writing style is characterized by her use of complex themes and scientific concepts, woven into relatable and engaging stories. She often used elements of fantasy and science fiction in her work, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Her most famous work, "A Wrinkle in Time", is a landmark in children's literature, and her work overall has impacted generations of readers. L'Engle's commitment to exploring complicated ideas in an accessible way has contributed to her lasting influence in the literary world.

Notable Works ​

• A Wrinkle in Time (1962)
• The Wind in the Door (1973)
• A Swiftly Tilting Planet (1978)
• Many Waters (1986)
• An Acceptable Time (1989)