This
is a very interesting story involving some of the other students at
Battle School, but also Ender. Zeck is a child, who has exceptional
learning ability, but is a pacifist. This is based on his father, who
is a preacher, and has taught that war is of the devil. However his
father also abused him, leaving scars on his back. Zeck goes to school,
but never hits anyone with his weapon in the games. Any display of
religion is forbidden at Battle School, and those who have religious
believes are exempted from the need to pray or other religious displays.
Zeck is against anything pagan, and when he observes other students
giving Sinterklaas gifts, he reports them. The students are disciplined and instigate a minor rebellion, giving gifts in stockings representing
Santa Claus gifts. Zeck’s father taught that Santa was another word for
Satan. He complains, but is unable to get anyone to pay attention to his
complaints. So he goes to the Islamic students, and suggests if Santa
gifts are OK, daily prayers should also be OK. This gets the
students (and staff who join in) in trouble, and a feeling that things
are unfair. Ender points out that this may lead to future conflicts in
the future back on Earth. As Zeck initiated this problem, he is blamed
and ostracized. He begins to feel worse and worse. Dink, who was the
one who started the gift giving rebellion, feels bad for Zeck, and tries
to intervene, but Colonel Graff knows that
Ender will deal with the situation.
The
climax of Ender getting to the bottom of Zeck’s problems, and getting
back to a place where they can exist together. Dink also plays a part,
and things get back to “normal” Battle School.
This
book was enjoyable. It showed people in a different light, as well as
battle School, and dealt with different cultural and religious views in a
very enjoyable manner. It is good to have a book with religion as a
central part of the plot, and what to do when you have people form
varied backgrounds working together.
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