Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Orphan uses science to save world in fast-paced adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In MAX EINSTEIN: THE GENIUS EXPERIMENT, 12-year-old homeless orphan Max (Maxine) Einstein has created a happy life for herself, despite squatting in an abandoned building with a stable of horses in New York City. Her mind never stops racing, whether she's dreaming up contraptions to improve the everyday lives of her homeless friends, playing chess in the park with adults, or in class at NYU after hacking the computers so she can go to college. But her life is upended when she and a group of young geniuses from around the world are recruited by a mysterious organization to solve some of the world's most complicated problems. The only thing standing between these brilliant, committed scientists and global success is The Corporation, a greedy, evil entity that knows more about Max's history than she does, and that will do anything to get her on their side.
Is It Any Good?
Brainy enthusiasm is front and center in this wholly original story, and it's fabulous. In lesser books, the fast-paced adventure and witty conversations might make the physics, chemistry, and engineering seem boring, but, thankfully, the science is so pervasive and engaging in Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment, it can't possibly be overwhelmed. The same illustrations that show Max's worldwide travels also explain scientific theories in ways that young readers will understand and appreciate.
Max's homelessness adds depth to her character and weight to the story but never makes it too heavy. Instead, Max's life opens the way for her to engage thoughtfully with other kids, and have wisdom beyond her 12 years.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Max Einstein's life as a homeless orphan. What obstacles does she have to overcome to simply go to school, to eat and sleep? Can you imagine yourself in her situation? Do you know any children who are homeless?
Max and her friends look to science to solve problems. Can you think of any problems in your life that could be solved scientifically?
What other science-filled books have you enjoyed?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Beverly Johnson
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : jimmy patterson
- Publication date : October 8, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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