**A NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (NPR) BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR**
A LONE STAR READING LIST selection
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