A review by librariann
House of Stairs by William Sleator

4.0

In an unspecified time in the future, five sixteen year old orphans are kidnapped and placed in a giant structure filled with stairs. In order to survive, they must bend to the whims of a red machine, which rewards them with food for performing certain tasks.

Quick and engaging read. An interesting look at a behaviorist model and how it could be used in awful ways. If you like "The Wave" by Strasser.