Review: Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment

Summary: 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. -- Little Brown/Jimmy Patterson Book

It's been awhile since I've reviewed a kids' book as part of Mystery Mondays, but I have a terrific one to share with you. It's called MAX EINSTEIN: THE GENIUS EXPERIMENT by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein, and it's one of those books that kids (even reluctant readers) are going to love. It's part mystery and part science book... and it's a lot of fun. It's also educational so parents and teachers are going to love it too!

MAX EINSTEIN: THE GENIUS EXPERIMENT tells the story of a twelve year old orphan girl whose name just happens to be Max Einstein. She also just happens to be a genius. It's no surprise that Max is obsessed with Albert Einstein -- she even has "conversations" with him, but it is a little surprising that she attends NYU (She hacked their computer system and altered their records!) Max is also a squatter who lives above some stables, and she creates inventions in her free time that help her homeless friends.

Max's life is turned upside down one day when she is recruited by a super secret organization and sent to Israel. Max doesn't know much about this organization, but she knows that they help solve world problems by using science. Max and some other brainy kids find themselves pitted against The Corporation (another secret but sinister organization), and they have to find a way to work together (using their individual strengths) to save themselves... and the world!

I read MAX EINSTEIN: THE GENIUS EXPERIMENT on the train home from Book Expo way back in May, and I absolutely loved it. I have been wanting to feature this book for some time, but I also wanted to wait until it was nearer to the book's release (which just happens to be October 8th!) This book is just terrific for middle graders -- both boys and girls. Max is a terrific heroine who has a heart as large as her brain, and the way science was incorporated into this novel makes it super special!

I really can't stress how much I loved this book. Boys and girls alike will be drawn to Max and her desire to save the world. In addition, the entire cast of smart (and diverse) kid characters are entertaining. I loved Max and all of the kids as well as the dynamics between them... and I have a feeling that we will see more of these young geniuses in future books!

There were definitely a few mystery elements to this book including the big mystery of Max's parents and why she's an orphan. It wasn't solved in this first book, but there were definitely some clues. In addition, there was a suspense/mystery story once Max joined with the Change Makers Institute. Max, along with the other kids, were sent to the Congo to figure out how to bring solar power to a village. However, they unfortunately found themselves battling some local gang leaders as well as the evil Corporation.

As a mom, I loved how much this book could teach youngsters. There are some great science aspects of the story, but there are also some great messages like learning to work with difficult people, sacrificing for a greater good, taking care of our environment, helping those less fortunate, and more. I also appreciated that the book stressed the importance of creativity rather than just learning from books and testing.

All in all, I think MAX EINSTEIN: THE GENIUS EXPERIMENT is perfect for middle grade readers. Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book at the 2018 Book Expo.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.