This is gonna be the thread where we talk about stuff

As another kid who grew up reading Ender's Game:

Granolaman has it right, I think - the biggest appeal of the book is the left-field way that Ender approaches problems. The game sequences are genuinely gripping, and I can't wait to see how the upcoming movie handles them. But the critics definitely have a point - Ender is pretty much an amoral Gary Stu that Card showers praise on. And from what I'm told the sequels aren't nearly as enjoyable as the original book. (though I've heard good things about spinoff series Ender's Shadow)

Also Card's personal politics are gross, as you mentioned. idk how much that affects his later work but it's not really noticeable in Ender's Game. (though I might reassess that if I read it now)

All in all it was as great book for 15-year-old me, and a good entry point into SF, but I dunno if I'd wholeheartedly endorse it. You want classic SF, read Dune or Neuromancer or something.