This teen/childrens book's title?

Question

I read this book a looong time ago. Im gonna guess around 5th grade. I barely remember anything of it except a few very random and unrelated facts. I know it was on our summer reading list so Im hoping its somewhat well known with people who teach that grade level.

Anyway, all I remember is that at the beginning there is a girl and her siblings. Im pretty sure its raining and a man comes to the door. I know at some point she wakes up in a cave (i think) and theres these creatures/monsters that are blind and she thinks they are evil but I think they were actually good. I also remember a point in the book where there was a town but it was very communistic. All the houses looked the same and children bounced the same ball the same number of times. I also recall the antagonist of the book being a brain.

I know that sounds really random but I hope someone can know what Im talking about. Im worried its so random even those who have read it wont realize it. Anyway, thanks for the help.

Well it wont let me pick a best answer yet, but I wanted to let you four know that that was definitely it. Thank you SO much! That has been bugging me for over a week. I really appreciate the answers. Im gonna go pick it up from the library tomorrow. Again, thanks so much

Answer 1

Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!! Sweet goodness, that's one of the best books EVER!!! It's Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle In Time.

Answer 2

oh, it's absolutely "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.

It's so interesting what you remember from it, without remembering the main plot. It just shows how strong some of the imagery is - for example the creepy town with the kids bouncing the ball the same way always stuck with me as well. what you are remembering is that Meg and her friend Calvin are traveling (along with the female tramp you remember from the beginning) to different worlds; one with people/creatures who don't see, and she's frightened of them, and they take care of her; and finally the world where she must confront the "brain" It.

There are two sequels to this book, plus dozens of others by this same author - many of which have tie-ins to the original book. But don't let me spoil it any more. Just grab the book from the library or bookstore (they will all have it, it's a major award winning classic) and re-read it, all the magic will come right back to you.

Answer 3

A wrinkle in time. I read that years ago.

Answer 4

that does sound like a wrinkle in time if the town was gray