Name: The Science of Breakable Things
Author: Tae Keller
ISBN: 9781524715694

The Science of Breakable Things

Tae Keller

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Author Description

Natalie's uplifting story of using the scientific process to "save" her mother from depression is what Booklist calls "a winning story full of heart and action." Eggs are breakable. Hope is not. When Natalie's science teacher suggests that she enter an egg drop competition, Natalie thinks that this might be the perfect solution to all of her problems. There's prize money, and if she and her friends wins, then she can fly her botanist mother to see the miraculous Cobalt Blue Orchids--flowers that survive against impossible odds. Natalie's mother has been suffering from depression, and Natalie is sure that the flowers' magic will inspire her mom to love life again. Which means it's time for Natalie's friends to step up and show her that talking about a problem is like taking a plant out of a dark cupboard and giving it light. With their help, Natalie begins an uplifting journey to discover the science of hope, love, and miracles. A vibrant, loving debut about the coming-of-age moment when kids realize that parents are people, too. Think THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH meets THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR * KIRKUS REVIEWS * THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY * "Natalie's Korean heritage is sensitively explored, as is the central issue of depression." --Publishers Weekly "A compassionate glimpse of mental illness accessible to a broad audience." --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW "Holy moly!!! This book made me feel." --Colby Sharp, editor of The Creativity Project, teacher, and cofounder of Nerdy Book Club

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

Natalie uses the scientific process to help her mother, who is suffering from depression, by entering an egg drop competition. Natalie believes winning the competition and its prize money will allow her to bring her mother to see rare Cobalt Blue Orchids, which she hopes will inspire her mother to love life again. Her friends encourage her to talk about her problems, likening it to bringing a plant into the light. Through this journey, Natalie learns about hope, love, and miracles, and comes to understand that parents are people too. The narrative framework is primarily third-person, focusing on Natalie's perspective.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Natalie's scientific approach to problem-solving, framed by the egg drop competition.
The exploration of a parent's depression and its impact on a child.
The theme of hope and the belief in miracles, tied to the discovery of rare orchids.
The importance of friendship and open communication in dealing with difficult emotions.
Natalie's Korean heritage is explored sensitively.
The narrative highlights the realization that parents are individuals with their own struggles.
The book is compared to 'The Fourteenth Goldfish' and 'The Thing About Jellyfish'.

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

This book is celebrated for its heartwarming and action-filled narrative, as noted by Booklist. Publishers Weekly highlights the sensitive exploration of Natalie's Korean heritage and the central theme of depression. Kirkus Reviews praises it as a compassionate glimpse into mental illness that is accessible to a wide audience, awarding it a starred review. Colby Sharp, an educator, found the book emotionally resonant, stating it made him 'feel'. The book has also been recognized as one of the best books of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and The Chicago Public Library.

Page Count:
320

Publication Date:
2019-05-21

Publisher:
Random House Children's Books

ISBN-10:
1524715697

ISBN-13:
9781524715694

Science

Fiction

Contemporary

Children's

Realistic Fiction

Mental Health

Coming of Age