The Nest - Hardcover

*"Compelling and accessible."--Kirkus Reviews - Starred Review "August 2015 "

* "Oppel uses a dark and disturbing lens to produce an unnerving psychological thriller."--Publisher's Weekly - Starred Review "July 2015 "

* "Emotionally haunting...This affecting middle grade psychological thriller is recommended as a first purchase"--School Library Journal - Starred Review "August 2015 "

*"Readers are challenged to examine questions about what "normal" is...all in the guise of a fantastical thriller."--Shelf Awareness - starred review "October 2015 "

"A sophisticated horror story...frightening and uncanny but also deeply humane in its probing of the way value may be given to, and taken from, imperfect life."--The Wall Street Journal "October 16, 2015 "

"Effectively taps into primal fears...a vicarious thrill."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "November 2015 "

"A quick read, with the right amount of suspense and mystery. ...Recommended."--School Library Connection "February 2016 "

"Striking and scary at once...The Nest leaves a lasting mark on the memory, and by the end, Oppel tenderly champions the world of the broken and anxious, the sick and the flawed. Readers will find much to savor here, both scary and subtle."--The New York Times Book Review "October 11, 2015 "

* "a tight and focused story about the dangers of wishing things back to normal at any cost....the emotional resonance is deep, and Steve's precarious interactions with the honey-voiced queen make one's skin crawl."--The Horn Book - Starred Review "September/October 2015 "

*"With subtle, spine-chilling horror at its heart, this tale of triumph over monsters--both outside and in--is outstanding....Printz-winning, New York Times best-selling Oppel and Caldecott-winning Klassen are a match made in kid-lit heaven. Expect ample buzz."

--Booklist - Starred Review "July 2015 "

“The Nest leaves a lasting mark on the memory.” —The New York Times Book Review

Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? Kenneth Oppel’s (Silverwing, The Boundless) haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, is one of the most acclaimed books of the year, receiving six starred reviews. Illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.

For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered.

All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back?

Celebrated author Kenneth Oppel creates an eerie masterpiece in this compelling story that explores disability and diversity, fears and dreams, and what ultimately makes a family. Includes illustrations from celebrated artist Jon Klassen.