Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An excellent creepy middle grade unlike any I've read before. A fantastical changeling take on a very real situation. May be helpful for brave kiddos facing ill family members (esp younger siblings), plus a mirror for those with OCD.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Confinement
I read this book in two hours. It was a page turner, very dark/enrapturing. A definite must read for kids who love books that have a sense of horror. It isn't over the top in gore--more of a psychological horror.
With The Nest Kenneth Oppel did a great job of writing a middle grade book with a high creep factor. Sixth grader Steve is battling some real challenges in his life - OCD, anxiety, a new baby brother that has been born with some unclear problems. When a queen wasp begins to communicate with him in his dreams it is as hard for the reader as it is for Steve to separate fantasy from reality. And with that separation unclear it is hard to know which decisions Steve will make as the story unrolls. A savvy 6th grader recommended this book to me and I really enjoyed it!
A little scary and mostly creepy. I wonder if this is actually scary for kids. Maybe, since my 8yo perused it and decided to put it down.
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is my first adventure into middle grade horror as an adult and it has inspired me to check out more middle grade titles. This book has much heart as it does creepy plot. I also really appreciated that the main character is neurodivergent which helps more kids feel seen and promotes empathy.