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A short novel set during Ender's first years at the Battle School where it is forbidden to celebrate religious holidays.  The children come from many nations, many religions; while they are being trained for war, religious conflict between them is not on the curriculum. But Dink Meeker, one of... read more

Summary edit see section history

Takes place during the events of Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow.

In Battle School, the celebration of religious holidays is forbidden, for fear of causing religious conflict. Dink Meeker puts a Sinterklaas Day gift in another Dutch boy's shoe -- and is reported to Colonel Graff by Zeck... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Takes place during the events of Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow.

In Battle School, the celebration of religious holidays is forbidden, for fear of causing religious conflict. Dink Meeker puts a Sinterklaas Day gift in another Dutch boy's shoe -- and is reported to Colonel Graff by Zeck Morgan. The other children are incensed, and a group begins exchanging gifts in defiance. Zeck, by now ostracized, goes to the Muslim students and points out that the Christians are celebrating the holidays. Ahmed organizes Muslim prayers (due to the difficulty of finding Mecca's location), and from there, it's chaos. Ender Wiggin confronts Zeck Morgan, and he discovers that Zeck is trying to be thrown out of Battle School so he can go back and protect his mother from his abusive father. Ender convinces Zeck that his mother doesn't need his protection, and gives Zeck a small gift. Word gets out, and Zeck is accepted by all the other children -- peace is restored.

Characters/People edit see section history

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Organizations edit see section history

First Sentence edit see section history

Zeck Morgan sat attentively on the front row of the little sanctuary of the Church of the Pure Christ in Eden, North Carolina.

Table of Contents edit see section history

1. Saint Nick
2. Ender's Stocking
3. The Devil's Questions
4. Sinterklaas Eve
5. Sinterklaas Day
6. Holy War
7. Stockings
8. Peace
9. Wiggin
10. Grace

Themes & Symbolism edit see section history

  • Religious freedom: In Battle School, all outward expressions of religion are forbidden for fear of sparking religious controversy -- even an exchange of gifts. Dink Meeker doesn't think this fair, and puts a gift in another person's shoe on Sinterklaas Day, but Zeck Morgan reports him. From there, it's a "war of gifts" as students begin celebrating their various customs.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 5 of 1 in Ender's Game. (standard series)
This is book 10 of 15 in Enderverse. (universe)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Orson Scott Card (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Tor Books
Country: USA
Publication Date: 2007
ISBN: 0765312824
Page Count: 128

Classification edit see section history

  • Library of Congress: PS3553.A655W37 2007
  • Dewey: 813.54

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

There may be a few issues with language, but nothing serious.

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
  • Ender's Game
  • Speaker for the Dead

Books with Additional Background Information edit see section history

   
  • Speaker for the Dead

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