THE ARM OF THE STARFISH Readers Guide: Start Here

When Adam Eddington, a gifted marine biology student, makes the acquaintance of blond and beautiful Kali Cutter at Kennedy International Airport on his way to Portugal to spend the summer working for the renowned scientist Dr. O’Keefe, he has no idea that this seemingly chance meeting will set into motion a chain of events he will be unable to stop. Caught between Kali’s seductive wiles and the trusting adoration of Dr. O’Keefe’s daughter, Poly, Adam finds himself enmeshed in a deadly power struggle between two groups of people, only one of which can have right on its side. As the danger escalates, Adam must make a decision that could affect the entire world—which side is he on?

Combining a tightly-plotted espionage and technology story with L’Engle’s recognizable emphasis on the spiritual and moral dimension of life, The Arm of the Starfish remains one of Madeleine L’Engle’s most popular tales.

First published in 1965, The Arm of the Starfish introduces several characters who recur in other books, as well as continues the story of Meg Murry and Calvin O’Keefe from A Wrinkle in Time.

Recommended for readers 10+, The Arm of the Starfish offers opportunities to think about: the role science and technology play in our lives and what responsibilities they have; how people make decisions; trust, loyalty, and love; This readers’ guide is designed to start conversations, whether in the classroom, around the dinner table, or in an individual’s mind. We invite you to discuss, debate, write, and do your own further research into Madeleine L’Engle’s The Arm of the Starfish.

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