Ender's Game

Ender's Game 
by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Once again, the Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. He excels in simulated war games. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battle School is just a game.Isn't it?" --publisher's blurb

This novel, which began life as a short story in 1977, is a compelling view of what makes a person a leader. The story is action-packed, but the way that Ender, and his siblings, look at the world around them brings it to a higher level. Highly recommended. This book is on my Classics Club list.