The Experiment - by Rebecca Stead (Paperback)

About the Book

NOW IN PAPERBACK, with colorful stained edges. See why this is being compared to A Wrinkle in Time.

Book Synopsis

"Many twists await in this fast-moving and optimistic story by one of today's most inventive writers for readers ages 8-12." --The Wall Street Journal

From the Newbery Medalist and national-bestselling author Rebecca Stead, here is a bold story that will appeal to fans of A Wrinkle in Time and The First State of Being.

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.

Review Quotes

**A NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (NPR) BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR**
A LONE STAR READING LIST selection
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
An Evanston Public Library Best Book for Kids

"Marvelous ... A rollicking and thought-provoking story." - The New York Times Book Review

"A great, grand endeavor that, by all rights, should be around for years and years to come."--Betsy Bird, Fuse#8

"Many twists await in this fast-moving and optimistic story by one of today's most inventive writers for readers ages 8-12." --The Wall Street Journal

★"The diverse characters and story are well developed, ensuring that readers remain captivated from start to finish. Overall, this book is a delightful addition to the genre that will fly off the shelves. Its relatable themes and imaginative elements ensure it will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.
... A middle grade must-read highly recommended for fans science fiction and books like A Wrinkle in Time."--School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Vivid imagery, especially of the ship, launches readers into Nathan's world while expert writing, short chapters, and carefully revealed discoveries move the story along at a rapid pace, blending sci-fi with humor. Strong character development, like the complicated backstory of a villain, brings further depth, as do the believably strong relationships, including Nathan's unbreakable friendship with Victor. Stead's creativity shines here, from Nathan's unusual tail to later plot twists and turns (not to mention the tattletale, alien-enhanced cat). Anyone who enjoys Stead's writing, along with sci-fi lovers and even superhero fans will easily devour this latest offering, staying up late under the covers with flashlight in hand to read just one more chapter. "--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB), starred review

"The pacing is superb, neatly blending family dynamics, friendship, and tween romance with page-turning mystery, adventure, and horror."-- Kirkus Reviews

"[A] twisty, thoughtful tale [that] touches on themes of estrangement, assimilation, exploitation, and agency as Nathan's seeking independence for himself and his interstellar peers parallels contemporary challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. "--Publishers Weekly

"...[A]ccessible and compulsively readable...with keen insights and wry humor coloring the short chapters that keep the pages turning to the end."--Booklist

"Like all of Stead's work, The Experiment is expertly plotted. Short chapters primarily told from Nathan's point of view swiftly move the reader through every aspect of a young alien's life on Earth, including how his understanding of self grows and changes. Occasional chapters from other characters--such as Nathan's cat, Toto, who is "enhanced... with alien DNA"--add affecting layers to an already heartfelt middle-grade work. ....[D]elightful science fiction novel for middle-grade readers."--Shelf Awareness

About the Author

Rebecca Stead is a New York Times best-selling author of middle-grade novels, including When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy, The List of Things That Will Not Change, Bob, and The Lost Library. In 2025, her debut picture book, Anything, was published for younger readers. Rebecca's books have been awarded the Newbery Medal, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction, and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. She lives in New York City, where she's always on the lookout for her next story idea.