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49 pages 1 hour read

The Science of Breakable Things

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Tae Keller

The Science of Breakable Things

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,926 ratings

82%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Science of Breakable Things?

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.

4.4

4,926 ratings

82%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Natalie Napoli

A seventh-grader who uses a science journal as both a scientific exploration and a diary to understand the world around her, including her family dynamics.

Natalie's mother, a botanist who is portrayed through Natalie’s perspective and is dealing with depression, impacting her professional and personal life.

Natalie’s father and Alice’s husband, a therapist who helps manage the family while supporting Natalie and addressing Alice's mental health.

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.

Natalie’s enthusiastic science teacher who introduces her to the “Wonderings Journal” and encourages curiosity and new friendships among his students.

A smart student and classmate who collaborates with Natalie and Twig on a project, ultimately forming a friendship through shared interests.

Natalie’s former best friend who became distant, leading to misunderstandings, and whose mother was Alice's boss.

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.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

840L

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