The Nest - by Kenneth Oppel

About the Book

"When wasps come to Steve in a dream offering to fix his sick baby brother, he thinks all he has to do is say yes. But yes may not mean what Steve thinks it means."--

Book Synopsis

"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.

Review Quotes

* "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"

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

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

*"Compelling and accessible."--Kirkus Reviews - 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"

*"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"

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

"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"

"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"

About the Author

Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold over a million copies worldwide and been adapted as an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn won a Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award and the Canadian Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children's Novel of the Year by the London Times. He is also the author of Half Brother, This Dark Endeavor, Such Wicked Intent, and The Boundless. Born on Canada's Vancouver Island, he has lived in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada; in England and Ireland; and now resides in Toronto with his wife and children. Visit him at KennethOppel.ca.

Jon Klassen is a Canadian-born author-illustrator. He has written and illustrated the acclaimed Hat series, including I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, and We Found a Hat. Highlights of his illustrated books are Cats' Night Out by Caroline Stutson, Sam & Dave Dig A Hole by Mac Barnett, The Dark by Lemony Snicket, and The Wolf, The Duck & The Mouse also by Mac Barnett. His books have won a Caldecott medal and two Caldecott honors and other international awards. He lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and son.