A review by couillac
The Nest by Kenneth Oppel, Jon Klassen

3.0

Oppel hits all the right notes in delivering this creepy read perfectly pitched for a wide range of young readers. Balancing authentic emotion with supernatural happenings, Oppel's story will appeal to both horror fans and those who prefer realistic fiction. Steve is a remarkably sympathetic character, realistically concerned for his new, sickly sibling, and taking on too many of his parents' worries like kids so often do. The wasps are tangibly horrific with their mandibles, slimy larvae, and papery nest slowly growing outside Steve's window - Oppel's descriptions will have readers squirming in their seats. Succinct and efficient with plenty of action in counterpoint to Steve's internal struggles, this would be a great read aloud for younger elementary kids who love scary stuff, and older independent readers will fly through it.