The Genius Experiment (Max Einstein Series #1)

by James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Beverly Johnson (Illustrator)

Overview

What Harry Potter did for magic, Max Einstein does for kids' imaginations! Max leads a group of kid geniuses in this #1 New York Times bestseller officially approved by the Albert Einstein archives.


Max Einstein is not your typical genius. She . . .

• Hacks the computer system at NYU to attend classes
• Builds inventions to help the homeless
• And talks to Albert Einstein! (Okay, that's just in her imagination)

But everything changes when Max is recruited by a mysterious organization! Their mission: solve some of the world's toughest problems using science. She's helped by a diverse group of young geniuses from around the globe as they invent new ways to power the farthest reaches of the planet. But that's only if the sinister outfit known only as The Corporation doesn't get to her first . . .


Max Einstein is a heroine for the modern age and will be looked up to by readers for generations to come.


"[A] fast-paced, science-filled caper." — The Wall Street Journal

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316523967
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	10/08/2018
Series:	Max Einstein Series , #1
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	535,508
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.90(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

James Patterson received the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community from the National Book Foundation. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers, including Middle School, I Funny, and Jacky Ha-Ha, and his books have sold more than 375 million copies worldwide. A tireless champion of the power of books and reading, Patterson created a children's book imprint, JIMMY Patterson, whose mission is simple: "We want every kid who finishes a JIMMY Book to say, 'PLEASE GIVE ME ANOTHER BOOK.'" He has donated more than one million books to students and soldiers and funds over four hundred Teacher Education Scholarships at twenty-four colleges and universities. He has also donated millions of dollars to independent bookstores and school libraries. Patterson invests proceeds from the sales of JIMMY Patterson Books in pro-reading initiatives.

Hometown:

Palm Beach, Florida

Date of Birth:

March 22, 1947

Place of Birth:

Newburgh, New York

Education:

B.A., Manhattan College, 1969; M.A., Vanderbilt University, 1971

Website:

http://www.jamespatterson.com

Editorial Reviews

10/22/2018
Johnson’s wry sketch of the iconic photo of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue, accompanied by his observation that “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” opens a lively and astute series launch by frequent collaborators Patterson and Grabenstein. Max Einstein, a homeless 12-year-old genius, knows nothing about her parents, her past, or the origins of her treasured suitcase filled with Albert Einstein memorabilia. The feisty girl’s infatuation with the scientist guides her critical problem-solving (“What would Einstein do?”) after she is kidnapped by thugs working for a greed-driven corporation and subsequently recruited by the rival Change Makers Institute, dedicated to eradicating global warming, poverty, war, and pandemic disease. Eight other whiz kids competing to become the group’s “instrument of change,” a cunning double agent, and the good guys’ surprising benefactor add to the story’s intrigue, which illuminates present-day applications of Einstein’s scientific theories as well as the wisdom of his humanitarian tenets (“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile”). Sprinting from Manhattan to Israel to the Congo, the story is an entertaining and thoughtful exploration of perseverance, friendship, creativity, and identity. Ages 9–12. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment:


A #1 New York Times Bestseller!
A USA Today Bestseller!
An Indiebound Bestseller!

"[A] fast-paced, science-filled caper."—The Wall Street Journal

"If you're interested in science, mysteries or courageous heroines, this is a must-read!" —Chelsea Clinton

"A lively and astute series launch...the story is an entertaining and thoughtful exploration of perseverance, friendship, creativity, and identity."—Publishers Weekly

"Max's morality, love for humanity, and free spirit make a refreshing counter to the familiar computerlike, elitist genius archetype; evasion scenes bring thrills; problem-solving provides delightful role-modeling. The ending promises a sequel. A fun, positive book with plenty of heart."—Kirkus Reviews

"Think of everything that can inspire young girls and put them into one book; this is it! Max Einstein is everything you hope young girls can dream to be: smart, brave, creative, and able to inspire others to be the same. I love this book for all kids who want to dream big and imagine even bigger!"—Mayim Bialik, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girling Up and Boying Up

"Give this book to the future scientist in your life!"—Jennifer L. Holm, New York Timesbestselling author of The Fourteenth Goldfish and three-time Newbery honor winner

"This book is an inspirational page-turner that won't let you down. Any girl (or boy) can see themselves as Max Einstein, who uses her science smarts and bravery to travel the globe and help people. It is so important that children feel empowered to create solutions to our world's biggest problems. This book celebrates the importance of young people's new ideas and endless imagination. A great addition to any book shelf!"—Rachel Ignotofsky, New York Timesbestselling author of Women in Science and The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth

"Mix together these ingredients: a feisty heroine, a rambunctious plot, a nasty villain, and the notion that being smart is cool, and that working together across all sorts of barriers is even cooler, and you have this rollicking roller coaster of a book. You won't stop turning the pages!"—Gary D. Schmidt, author of Newbery Honor-winning The Wednesday Wars and National Book Award Finalist Okay for Now

"A really enjoyable read—Max is a wonderful character who mixes her adventures with problem solving and science. I would have devoured this book when I was younger!"—Libby Jackson, author of Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space

"Any young readers out there interested in science and adventure...this book is brilliant!"—Major Timothy Peake, Astronaut

From the Publisher

2018-07-16
A homeless genius orphan is recruited by one organization and hunted by another.Twelve-year-old orphan Max Einstein never knew her parents, is obsessed with Albert Einstein, lives in a squat above some Central Park stables alongside other good-natured down-on-their-luck types, and attends NYU using fabricated records. Her cozy existence is shattered when the powerful Dr. Zimm and the mysterious Corp target her. Luckily, she's swept off to Israel, where she meets a group of highly diverse, multicultural fellow child prodigies, the other "contestants" at the Change Makers Institute. (Max is white.) The CMI's testing them to find a visionary genius prodigy to lead world-improving projects, but Max has more interest in their aims than their tests. (While the book celebrates curiosity and learning, it also repeatedly rebukes standardized tests in favor of creativity and daydreams.) Max takes advantage of a chance to make friends her own age, while the Corp—with an alluded connection to Max's past—closes in on her. Once a winner's selected and a team formed, it's off to the Congo on a mission to bring solar power to a village in hopes of encouraging African investors in industries other than mining (which uses child laborers). Max's morality, love for humanity, and free spirit make a refreshing counter to the familiar computerlike, elitist genius archetype; evasion scenes bring thrills; problem-solving provides delightful role-modeling. The ending promises a sequel.A fun, positive book with plenty of heart. (Thriller. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews