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Stranger Things, Season One: The Junior Novelization
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This expanded junior novelization retells the first season of Netflix’s iconic series Stranger Things—and includes 8 pages of full-color images from the show!
Hawkins is a quiet town where nothing exciting seems to happen—until one night when a boy named Will Byers vanishes. Follow his friends Mike, Lucas, and Dustin as they search for him and uncover a world of secret experiments and terrifying supernatural forces. Is Eleven, a girl with incredible psychic powers, the secret to the mystery? This 320-page junior novelization, which includes eight pages of full-color images from the show, retells the landmark first season of Stranger Things and is sure to thrill kids ages 7 to 10 as well as fans of all ages.
Welcome to the thrilling world of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. Follow Eleven, Dustin, Max, Lucas, and their friends for mystery, suspense, and supernatural adventures in 1980s Hawkins.
Hawkins is a quiet town where nothing exciting seems to happen—until one night when a boy named Will Byers vanishes. Follow his friends Mike, Lucas, and Dustin as they search for him and uncover a world of secret experiments and terrifying supernatural forces. Is Eleven, a girl with incredible psychic powers, the secret to the mystery? This 320-page junior novelization, which includes eight pages of full-color images from the show, retells the landmark first season of Stranger Things and is sure to thrill kids ages 7 to 10 as well as fans of all ages.
Welcome to the thrilling world of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. Follow Eleven, Dustin, Max, Lucas, and their friends for mystery, suspense, and supernatural adventures in 1980s Hawkins.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
78 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Matthew J. Gilbert
53 books25 followersRecently named a New York Times Bestselling Author, Matthew J. Gilbert has written several licensed books for some of the world’s biggest franchises, including Stranger Things, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Some of his most notable titles are: the best-selling Little Golden Book, “I Am Jack Skellington,” “Hawkins Horrors: A Collection of Terrifying Tales,” and the official junior novelizations for Netflix's Stranger Things. He is also the co-author of the popular “Classroom 13” chapter book series. In addition to his author life, he’s a former Nickelodeon staff writer, an amateur screenwriter, and a poet when the mood strikes him. He currently lives in far-too-sunny California with his wife, and his loyal cat sidekick, Pepe.
You can follow him on Instagram at @mattgilbertwrites and find him on YouTube as well.
Some of his most notable titles are: the best-selling Little Golden Book, “I Am Jack Skellington,” “Hawkins Horrors: A Collection of Terrifying Tales,” and the official junior novelizations for Netflix's Stranger Things. He is also the co-author of the popular “Classroom 13” chapter book series. In addition to his author life, he’s a former Nickelodeon staff writer, an amateur screenwriter, and a poet when the mood strikes him. He currently lives in far-too-sunny California with his wife, and his loyal cat sidekick, Pepe.
You can follow him on Instagram at @mattgilbertwrites and find him on YouTube as well.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 14, 2026
This book was actually very good. I loved how it felt like I was watching the show while reading it. the book didn't miss one detail and I love it. I read it in 3 days which is impressive for me, ( sorry meerah, ik I said I would read it in a day ). I totally recommend this book for those who love the show. I'm gonna give it a 5 stars because that's what iw Ould give the show and this was basically the show in book form.
January 29, 2026
This was so much fun! It was exactly like the tv series except without the gory, unsavory bits!
December 12, 2025
Stranger Things: Season One is a junior novelization of the first season of the popular Netflix series—it's written for MG/YA readers but can be fully enjoyed by adults! In just over 300 pages (and under 7 hours on audio), it’s a retelling in book form that keeps the main plot, characters, and suspenseful events intact, but it’s written in an exciting, age-appropriate way that’s perfect for those who haven’t seen the series yet!
The story follows the disappearance of Will Byers, a 12-year-old boy in Hawkins, Indiana, who vanishes without a trace. As his friends—Mike, Dustin, and Lucas—band together, they meet Eleven, a mysterious girl with extraordinary abilities, and slowly uncover terrifying secrets about the Upside Down, an alternate reality where darkness and monsters reign—and where Will may be in danger!
The characters are the heart of the story, and the author does a great job bringing out their individual personalities. Will’s friends are loyal and fully committed to finding him. Their heartfelt, close bond will tug at readers’s heartstrings—reminiscent of the boys’s friendship in the classic film “Stand By Me.” Mike’s determination and Dustin and Lucas’s humour all shine through, and they’re all very likeable! The main adult characters, Hopper (a police officer) and Joyce (Will’s mother), are fully immersed in the mysterious events, and they both show bravery and determination, especially when facing dark forces—evil humans and the monster (the Demogorgon) from the Upside Down. Eleven, whose backstory and supernatural powers are shadowed in mystery, has the biggest growth. With the odds stacked against her and seen as highly suspicious, she defies the odds and quickly evolves from a terrified, isolated girl to a loyal and courageous friend—and even a potential future love interest to one of the boys! What this novelization really has going for it over the TV show is how it captures the small moments between the characters—but it’s great to read/listen and then watch and compare the two for yourself!
The pacing is relentless and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Once the search for Will begins, more mysterious events occur in Hawkins, and the growing danger from the Upside Down becomes so real. The tension then increases, and the scenes with the Demogorgon are both thrilling and terrifying! The ending mirrors the tension, resolution, and unanswered questions of the TV season one finale—and feels just as cinematic! Readers will be eager to read/listen to the next books—one for each season. The junior novelization for season 2 is already released, with seasons three and four already slated as 2026 releases—and a book for the fifth season is expected!
Overall, Stranger Things Season One is a must-read for megafans of the show or MG/YA readers who love thrilling stories with highly memorable characters! Whether you’re returning to Hawkins, Indiana, or stepping into it for the very first time, this junior novelization delivers all the heart and excitement of the Netflix series!
The story follows the disappearance of Will Byers, a 12-year-old boy in Hawkins, Indiana, who vanishes without a trace. As his friends—Mike, Dustin, and Lucas—band together, they meet Eleven, a mysterious girl with extraordinary abilities, and slowly uncover terrifying secrets about the Upside Down, an alternate reality where darkness and monsters reign—and where Will may be in danger!
The characters are the heart of the story, and the author does a great job bringing out their individual personalities. Will’s friends are loyal and fully committed to finding him. Their heartfelt, close bond will tug at readers’s heartstrings—reminiscent of the boys’s friendship in the classic film “Stand By Me.” Mike’s determination and Dustin and Lucas’s humour all shine through, and they’re all very likeable! The main adult characters, Hopper (a police officer) and Joyce (Will’s mother), are fully immersed in the mysterious events, and they both show bravery and determination, especially when facing dark forces—evil humans and the monster (the Demogorgon) from the Upside Down. Eleven, whose backstory and supernatural powers are shadowed in mystery, has the biggest growth. With the odds stacked against her and seen as highly suspicious, she defies the odds and quickly evolves from a terrified, isolated girl to a loyal and courageous friend—and even a potential future love interest to one of the boys! What this novelization really has going for it over the TV show is how it captures the small moments between the characters—but it’s great to read/listen and then watch and compare the two for yourself!
The pacing is relentless and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Once the search for Will begins, more mysterious events occur in Hawkins, and the growing danger from the Upside Down becomes so real. The tension then increases, and the scenes with the Demogorgon are both thrilling and terrifying! The ending mirrors the tension, resolution, and unanswered questions of the TV season one finale—and feels just as cinematic! Readers will be eager to read/listen to the next books—one for each season. The junior novelization for season 2 is already released, with seasons three and four already slated as 2026 releases—and a book for the fifth season is expected!
Overall, Stranger Things Season One is a must-read for megafans of the show or MG/YA readers who love thrilling stories with highly memorable characters! Whether you’re returning to Hawkins, Indiana, or stepping into it for the very first time, this junior novelization delivers all the heart and excitement of the Netflix series!
January 13, 2026
Way too many typos
January 27, 2026
The friendship of Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas was really heartwarming. I felt so heartbroken for Joyce. Overall, I loved the book. Gonna watch the series before the next book.
January 1, 2026
A good way for a younger audience to join in on Stranger Things fun until they're ready for the show. It's fun reading this before the finale. It makes me want to start a marathon from the start once it's all over.
November 23, 2025
I mean, it’s the whole first season of the show just less gory, but still not appropriate enough for 7-10 year olds. Also, without the visual aid of Joe Keery so that’s a thumbs down.
January 31, 2026
Binge read this the last two days. This is just a novelization of the first season of Stranger Things. It’s fine, nothing special… but I’m a fan of Stranger Things, so it was fun to read a more “fleshed-out” story with some fun extra tid-bits!
September 20, 2025
Stranger Things is a fandom I try to disassociate myself with. From the gooners to the shippers (don’t even get my started on those corny ass names), to the nostolgiaholics and the egotistical fucks, the fandom for this show is horrendously toxic and unbearable. The only thing good I feel has stemmed from it is the people who actually care and enjoy the show without having a “favorite ship” or making it their whole persona—like me—or those more invested fans who have picked up on the gay dilemma happening between Mike and Will (it’s there, and there’s thousands of hours worth of evidence to sift through to prove it). With that immediate comment out of the way on where I stand on the fans… how does this novelization choose to interpret the show? Well, definitely in a far duller avenue. The story and it’s major beats are all present, and in my opinion, seasons 1 and 4 are the best the show has to offer, and they’re about tied. The story is almost perfect and one of the best seasons of television arguably, and with this retelling that, it’s safe to say this is just as good in the story department. If I’m being honest, my real praises here are ones that come from the show and not particularly from this adaptation, so to be brief: great characters, stellar finale, amazing atmosphere and tone, well-lived setting, baller moments and sequences, and an insanely gaging and interesting plot. Also, spooky monster. It’s a simplistic-ish little story that really, really worked. And if I had any credit to give to the author before I bash this thing a bit? They were able to keep those praises intact with the translation. However—and I mean a huge, fat however—this adaptation of the story falls flat for three main reasons: the writing, the pacing, and how the author treats the story. The book is way too fast for its own good, and it feels like the entire time it’s just rushing to the finish line, speeding over important scenes—and sometimes not even including them (we’ll come back to this). The writing is just not hitting that high that this kind of story needed. It feels half-baked in that regard and whilst I’m sure the author tried, his style didn’t work. And back to what I said earlier: the author treated this story in a way that I DID NOT jive with. To sum up, it felt like it was only trying to adapt the key plot points and not have a flair, personality, and be a shell of the show whilst also inevitably becoming outdated after season five drops (this is relevant… soon). There’s a BUNCH of moments left out, of which are great for building characters; little scenes between Nancy and Steve were cut, Joyce’s big fight with Lonnie (a fantastic character moment) was ONLY MENTIONED. And there’s far more as well, mostly in the lesser B-plots and all, which pisses me off. If you’re going to adapt a show faithfully, don’t leave out key moments for the characters, and yet here we are. Cutting these out not only displays the lack of care felt with this adaptation, but it dulls the story. With the writing also being dull and those complaints in mind, it really feels like he—the author—just wanted their paycheck and put in a medium effort. They tried, likely, but it didn’t feel like it. Where I’m getting at? Add another 100 or pages, slow the story down, include those moments… and THINK WITH THE REST OF THE SHOW IN MIND. Going back to what I said, there’s some monologuing that’s going to be irrelevant; this isn’t an issue that I’m incorporating in the score, but it would’ve been if this were to have come out this exact way after season five drops. What am I talking about? Mike’s attraction to El isn’t real or solidified, yet the author treats it like it is. In ST5, it’s all-but confirmed that there’s going to be some romantic tension between Mike and Will (boo me but it’s true). There’s also confirmation ALREADY IN THE SHOW that Mike doesn’t actually have feelings for El. The author, again, acts like he absolutely does… which won’t make any sense with the fifth season releases. See what I mean? Again, this isn’t a score-affecting issue, but it bothers me a ton. I firmly believe these novels should’ve dropped AFTER the show concluded, and thankfully, only 1 and 2 are out this year—I in fact have them both (duh). 3 drops in 2026 after the show’s conclusion—lord do I pray ST3’s novel improves that shit fiesta season—and I hope it can elaborate on more of the obvious hints Will is gay, or that Mike might be in love with him, like the rain fight where he started projecting his internalized homophobia. But no less… Jesus, I sound like a psycho fan… this novel did exactly with it was supposed to do, but without a soul. For that… I must give it a 6.5/10. Boy, was this an essay… and I’m gonna read four more of these in the future. Hooray. Screw this fandom, I’m going back to kids horror.
December 23, 2025
Mr 11 loved the action and fantasy in this book, and said he thought it was 5/5 stars.
December 28, 2025
2.5 / 5 Stars - I understand that this edition is intended for a younger audience, as reflected by the listed 7–10 age range. With that in mind, many of the themes and subject matter still feel a bit too mature for that bracket. While the book was palatable/enjoyable, the low target age resulted in the material being overly simplified—particularly in perspective, description, and character depth—far more than necessary.
I think the story would have benefited greatly from being aimed at an older audience, such as YA. The excessive “dumbing down” strips away much of the texture and character that make Stranger Things so compelling in the first place. A deeper exploration of the characters—their suspicions, motivations, and inner lives—would have been far more enriching.
I genuinely hope the publisher has an adult novel adaptation planned or in development, as that seems to be what many readers are hoping for. Feed the masses, Penguin.
I think the story would have benefited greatly from being aimed at an older audience, such as YA. The excessive “dumbing down” strips away much of the texture and character that make Stranger Things so compelling in the first place. A deeper exploration of the characters—their suspicions, motivations, and inner lives—would have been far more enriching.
I genuinely hope the publisher has an adult novel adaptation planned or in development, as that seems to be what many readers are hoping for. Feed the masses, Penguin.
January 3, 2026
First book of 2026!✨
I just finished watching the final episode of Stranger Things S5, so it felt very fitting to read Stranger Things: Season One. God, I’m going to miss this show so much🥹
I really enjoyed reading this book! It’s written for a younger audience which I didn’t mind at all, it truly felt like someone was telling you the story, making it very immersive and entertaining. I did wish it leaned a bit more toward YA or a slightly older audience, as that would have added some extra depth, but even so, I really liked it!❤️
I just finished watching the final episode of Stranger Things S5, so it felt very fitting to read Stranger Things: Season One. God, I’m going to miss this show so much🥹
I really enjoyed reading this book! It’s written for a younger audience which I didn’t mind at all, it truly felt like someone was telling you the story, making it very immersive and entertaining. I did wish it leaned a bit more toward YA or a slightly older audience, as that would have added some extra depth, but even so, I really liked it!❤️
July 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this novelisation of Stranger Things season one. While I thought most things about the show were etched in my mind this book still managed to show me some nuances I didn’t necessarily recall. I particularly loved tenderness of the encounters between Hopper and Joyce. So many of the scenes were honestly even more intense while reading them. Joyce’s desperation, Will’s fear and my hatred for Dr Brenner!
Of course reading this has made me want to rewatch the series from the beginning so I’ll be doing that until book two is ready.
Of course reading this has made me want to rewatch the series from the beginning so I’ll be doing that until book two is ready.
February 1, 2026
Now that the series has ended, I am going to keep the love for Stranger Things alive and kicking in my home by adding books to my shelf based around the show.
I didn't watch Stranger Things until season 3 came out in July 0f 2019 but I had always been curious about it but didn't have Netflix. It changed after I came home from visiting family in Kentucky to have my husband sign up for an account.
I watched the first two seasons to get caught up to speed and have been faithful ever since.
This junior novelization of the first season cuts down some of the gore and more of the drama concerning the older teens to focus more on the tween characters. It is perfect for a middle schooler to read and develop a love of the show yet eventually maybe have parents on hand for the more intense scenes.
We get some insight focusing on both Joyce and Hopper as the only adults that matter since they interact with both the kids and the teens more than anyone else. The relationship between Steve and Nancy is downplayed to be less hormonal teen and some of Jonathan's actions regarding his taking certain pictures.
Language of course is censored but we still have drama and tension to convey the most vital parts of the story. The right emotional beats are included and what some might have thought to be filler excluded enough for a succinct story focused on three friends searching for their other friend who has gone missing merging with a young girl being hunted down by a top-secret lab cue to special powers.
This is also a good starting point for anyone who has not watched Stranger Things and might not be that into horror but a love for sci-fi. If you are a Stephen King fan more prone to drama than his gross-out takes, this is perfect to read or use to inch younger readers towards him in the future.
Whether you are an adult or a tween or a teen, the junior novelization for Stranger Things Season One is worth your time.
I didn't watch Stranger Things until season 3 came out in July 0f 2019 but I had always been curious about it but didn't have Netflix. It changed after I came home from visiting family in Kentucky to have my husband sign up for an account.
I watched the first two seasons to get caught up to speed and have been faithful ever since.
This junior novelization of the first season cuts down some of the gore and more of the drama concerning the older teens to focus more on the tween characters. It is perfect for a middle schooler to read and develop a love of the show yet eventually maybe have parents on hand for the more intense scenes.
We get some insight focusing on both Joyce and Hopper as the only adults that matter since they interact with both the kids and the teens more than anyone else. The relationship between Steve and Nancy is downplayed to be less hormonal teen and some of Jonathan's actions regarding his taking certain pictures.
Language of course is censored but we still have drama and tension to convey the most vital parts of the story. The right emotional beats are included and what some might have thought to be filler excluded enough for a succinct story focused on three friends searching for their other friend who has gone missing merging with a young girl being hunted down by a top-secret lab cue to special powers.
This is also a good starting point for anyone who has not watched Stranger Things and might not be that into horror but a love for sci-fi. If you are a Stephen King fan more prone to drama than his gross-out takes, this is perfect to read or use to inch younger readers towards him in the future.
Whether you are an adult or a tween or a teen, the junior novelization for Stranger Things Season One is worth your time.
January 11, 2026
I had no idea that novelisations were even a thing. As you can see by the last book I read - Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond - I am stuck in the fictional world of Hawkins. I am beyond excited to relive my childhood- now through ink on paper over the tv show.
I love how closely it stayed true to the show, down to even the smallest of details.
It was great to see the thoughts behind the action. Feelings being the characters. In some what new but reliable story you will love this journey just as much as you had watching the show on screen for the first time.
I love how closely it stayed true to the show, down to even the smallest of details.
It was great to see the thoughts behind the action. Feelings being the characters. In some what new but reliable story you will love this journey just as much as you had watching the show on screen for the first time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
For someone who has not got netflix and has never seen the show , this was brilliant . I liked that it had stephen king vibes about it, Great characters and a good setting. The writing was good and even though it's aimed at kids of about 10 I, who am 34, really enjoyed this. Thank you to the author. I would like one day to see the show but this was a fantastic alternative for me. 4.5 out of 5 for me
July 18, 2025
4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Faithful novelization for season one, and I liked how they also made it more kid friendly with this junior novel version of the show. Also loved the little depictions added in during key moments that we could only get in a written form of the story, versus the actual film of the shows episodes.
Faithful novelization for season one, and I liked how they also made it more kid friendly with this junior novel version of the show. Also loved the little depictions added in during key moments that we could only get in a written form of the story, versus the actual film of the shows episodes.
January 19, 2026
For a junior novelisation - this was pretty good, been reading it for the love of stranger things but also as research for a project later this year.
This’d be a great way to get younger minds reading before they watch the series…
This’d be a great way to get younger minds reading before they watch the series…
July 27, 2025
I am so happy we finally got a novelization!
This was so engrossing. At times I felt like I was just watching the show again.
This was so engrossing. At times I felt like I was just watching the show again.
September 26, 2025
I’m so rewatching stranger things asap
September 29, 2025
I really loved this. I enjoyed the show and felt like I was watching it all over again! Now time to get the next installments!
September 30, 2025
A fun version for older elementary, middle school. Michael Crouch narrating the audio was perfection as always.
November 21, 2025
I loved diving back into this world! thanks to PRH Audio for my audiobook!
February 8, 2026
Big fan of these books! I hope they make the adult equivalent someday with all the scenes!
February 23, 2026
Soooo good, could picture the tv show whilst reading!!!
March 11, 2026
i love stranger things and it is just s rewrite of that so it’s was amazing!
March 14, 2026
It drew me in. I wanted to not like it but it reminded me of my “Twilight Zone” fascination.
January 10, 2026
1-2 rating?
So I wouldn’t reccommend the book, but I would recommend show, I've only watched the first season so far. I really liked the acting in the show, but I just feel like the book what very devoid of character depth, and I wouldn't have been convinced to pick up the rest of Stranger Things if I only read this book. It was a very simple read but that's because of how shallow it felt.
I will admit though, putting one whole season into a book is difficult, though I feel like they would have benefited if there were at least 100 more pages. I am interested in the show so far.
So I wouldn’t reccommend the book, but I would recommend show, I've only watched the first season so far. I really liked the acting in the show, but I just feel like the book what very devoid of character depth, and I wouldn't have been convinced to pick up the rest of Stranger Things if I only read this book. It was a very simple read but that's because of how shallow it felt.
I will admit though, putting one whole season into a book is difficult, though I feel like they would have benefited if there were at least 100 more pages. I am interested in the show so far.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews