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304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
840L
In Tae Keller's epistolary middle-grade novel The Science of Breakable Things, seventh-grader Natalie Napoli documents her journey to win a science competition with the help of her teacher and friends. She hopes to use the prize money to take her botanist mother, who has depression, to see the miraculous cobalt blue orchids in New Mexico, leading her to learn valuable lessons about science, friendship, family, and mental health.
Emotional
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Bittersweet
4,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tae Keller’s The Science of Breakable Things deftly balances emotional depth and scientific curiosity. Readers appreciate its sensitive portrayal of mental health and complex family dynamics. The protagonist’s voice is authentic and engaging, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s an uplifting and thought-provoking read for middle-grade audiences.
A reader who enjoys The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller likely appreciates emotional and heartfelt middle-grade fiction. Similar to fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree or Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Counting by 7s, they enjoy stories of personal growth, resilience, and the exploration of mental health through a young protagonist’s journey.
4,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alice Napoli
Natalie's mother, a botanist who is portrayed through Natalie’s perspective and is dealing with depression, impacting her professional and personal life.
John (Yeong-Jin) Napoli
Natalie’s father and Alice’s husband, a therapist who helps manage the family while supporting Natalie and addressing Alice's mental health.
Twig
Natalie’s best friend who shares a deep bond with her, characterized by loyalty and a shared history, despite not always expressing her personal hardships.
Mr. Neely
Natalie’s enthusiastic science teacher who introduces her to the “Wonderings Journal” and encourages curiosity and new friendships among his students.
Dari Kapoor
A smart student and classmate who collaborates with Natalie and Twig on a project, ultimately forming a friendship through shared interests.
Mikayla Menzer
Natalie’s former best friend who became distant, leading to misunderstandings, and whose mother was Alice's boss.
Dana Menzer
Mikayla's mother and a botanist who worked with Natalie’s mother, initially seen as an adversary due to misunderstandings about Alice's employment status.
304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
840L
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