The Experiment

Rebecca Stead's "The Experiment" is a compelling middle-grade novel that blends science fiction with a poignant coming-of-age story. It follows Nathan, a seemingly ordinary sixth-grader who harbors the extraordinary secret that he and his family are aliens participating in an experiment on Earth. As the experiment goes awry and loved ones vanish, Nathan is forced to confront deep questions about his identity, loyalty, and what it means to truly belong. This fast-paced narrative explores universal themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the courage to challenge long-held beliefs, making it an excellent choice for readers aged 10-14 who enjoy thoughtful sci-fi with emotional depth.

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 - with aliens - that asks universal questions about how we figure out who we want to be, and whether it’s ever too late to change.