My first science fiction read (I think) and still one of my favorites. It's best to know little to nothing of the world before starting. Also, though it *is* a series, you can read just this one and be fine. In fact, unless you like philosophical discussions and questionable sciencey/fantastical concepts, you should probably stop here.

Recommended for older teens. Content: profanity and other crude language, nudity (not sexual at all), violence (all with characters ages 6-12).

"Human beings are free except when humanity needs them. Maybe humanity needs you. To do something. Maybe humanity needs me—to find out what you're good for. We might both do despicable things, Ender, but if humankind survives, then we were good tools."

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read 7/21/2017
reread 2/1/18
reread 1/3/2020