MMGM: Rebecca Stead’s The Experiment — A Story That Stays With You

 

When I saw Rebecca Stead (When You Reach Me) had a new book, I grabbed it right away from my local library. Although I'm not a big sci-fi fan, I do like "light sci fi," think Ray Bradbury or the Twilight Zone. If sci fi is set on Earth, I'm all in. 

If you like twists and turns, intriguing premises, and strong family and friendships, you will love The Experiment!

 

Synopsis

 

Nathan wants to help his people, but first he has to figure out who they are...

Nathan never understood what was "fun" about secrets, probably because he’s always had to keep a very big one. 

Although he appears to be a typical sixth-grader (with parents, homework and a best friend, Victor), Nathan learned at an early age that his family is from another planet. Now, their time on Earth may be coming to an end. 

Nathan, his parents and nine other families are part of an experiment that suddenly seems to be going wrong. Some of the experimenters, including Nathan's first crush, Izzy, are disappearing without a word. After his family is called back to the mothership, Nathan begins to question everything he’s been taught to believe about who he is and why he's on Earth.

The Experiment is a fast-paced coming-of-age novel that asks universal questions about how we figure out who we want to be, and whether it’s ever too late to change. (from Amazon)

 

 What I liked about The Experiment:

1.    A close boy friendship. It’s rare in kidlit to see boys who have each other’s backs. Victor was an astounding friend to Nathan, sacrificing to help him discover the truth. I’d love to see more MG books with friendships like this!

2.    Lots of twists and turns. Each time I thought I had the mystery of Nathan or other characters' identities solved, I would be surprised by another twist. Stead really played with expectations in this genre, which made for a fun read.

 
3.    Cats! Max is going to hate me for this one, but I loved the role that cats played in this story. I can’t say much more without ruining a few surprises, but if you love cats, you’ll enjoy this.

 
4.    Fantastic world building. Although the action takes place in a world like our own, Stead's aliens are the most unusual and interesting I've ever encountered.

  
5.    Calvin and Hobbes! My sons poured over those books growing up. Fans of those books will love all the tie-ins with the comic through The Experiment.

 

 Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog*

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴

Too many cats! But at least it had animals. I liked all the twists and turns. 

Your Turn: 

Do you like light or heavy sci fi? Have you read any Rebecca Stead? Are you a cat or dog person?

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!