49 pages • 1 hour read
The Science of Breakable Things
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
840L
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
4,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
4,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
840L
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