The Hypnotists

The Hypnotists is the first installation in a series of middle grade science fiction novels by Gordon Korman, published by Scholastic Press in 2013. Korman is the bestselling author of over 100 novels for young readers. Born and raised in Canada, Koran wrote his first novel at the age of 12 as a creative writing assignment for class. That novel, This Can’t Be Happening at MacDonald Hall, was published by Scholastic Canada when Korman was 14 years old (“About Gordon Korman.” Gordan Korman). Korman’s books have gone on to sell over 30 million copies around the world.

The Hypnotists follow Jackson “Jax” Opus, a seemingly ordinary New York City teenager whose color-changing eyes allow him to hypnotize other people. As Jax struggles to control his powers, he finds himself pulled into a conspiracy that will threaten his family, friends, and the whole free world. Rooted in Jax’s point of view, the novel explores themes of control, morality, and heroism as Jax steps up to save the world.

This study guide uses the 2013 first edition published by Scholastic Press.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide refer to suicide.