An Acceptable Time

Name: An Acceptable Time
ISBN: 9780606045988

by Madeleine L'Engle

Polly O'Keefe, grieving a friend, visits her scientist grandparents and unexpectedly finds herself traveling 3,000 years into the past. Trapped with ancient tribes and a troubled friend, Polly must na

About This Book

In Madeleine L'Engle's 'An Acceptable Time,' Polly O'Keefe, daughter of Meg Murry and Calvin O'Keefe, is spending a quiet autumn with her brilliant grandparents, Kate and Alex Murry. Still grappling with the recent death of a beloved friend, Polly soon finds her scientific education taking an unexpected turn when she encounters ancient druids and warriors from 3,000 years in the past, right in her grandparents' Connecticut woods. As she's drawn deeper into their world, and reunited with the charming but unreliable Zachary Gray, Polly faces the very real threat of being sacrificed by a desperate tribe. This book explores themes of grief, courage, empathy, and the complex interplay between science and faith, all while offering a thrilling time-travel adventure. It's a thoughtful read for middle schoolers, connecting to L'Engle's larger Murry-O'Keefe and Austin family universes.

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Self-Confidence & Identity Love & Family Empathy & Kindness Good vs. Evil Forgiveness & Redemption Curiosity & Wonder Resilience & Perseverance Friendship & Loyalty Justice & Fairness Honesty & Integrity Death of a Loved One Growing Up Being Different Peer Pressure Science Experiments Family & Siblings Friendship & Social Survival & Wilderness

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Scary Scenes

Character Death

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Discussion Prompts

How does Polly's grief for Maximiliana influence her actions and decisions throughout the story?

The book explores different ideas of 'sacrifice.' How do the ancient tribes, Zachary, and Polly each understand and act on this concept?

What role do science and faith play in understanding the events of the book? How do the Murrys' scientific theories connect with the ancient beliefs?

Zachary Gray is a complex character. Do you think his actions were justified given his heart condition? How does Polly's relationship with him evolve?

How does Polly demonstrate courage and empathy in a dangerous situation? What lessons can we learn from her interactions with the People of the Wind and the People Across the Lake?

The book's title comes from Psalm 69:13, 'But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, at an acceptable time.' How does this verse relate to the events and themes of the story?

External Reviews