The best stories make you understand the evil and the good and all of the gray in between. This is another one that did that for me. 
 Surprisingly sophisticated at times, delving into morality, group dynamics and the nuances of leadership. Yet, there are enough references to flatulence and fighting and space suits and aliens to keep most teen boys fully enthralled. 
 Wondered about the fact that the Battle School students were almost solely boys. This one line of explanation didn't really do it for me: "A few girls. They don't often pass the tests to get in. Too many centuries of evolution are working against them." What does that mean, exactly? 
 Favorite Quotes: 
 It was a lie, of course, that it wouldn't hurt a bit. But since adults always said it when it was going to hurt, he could count on that statement as an accurate prediction of the future. Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth. 
 Ender's anger was cold, and he could use it. Bonzo's anger was hot, and so it used him. 
 I'm your tool, and what difference does it make if I hate the part of me that you most need? What difference does it make that when the little serpents killed me in the game, I agreed with them and was glad?