The Science of Breakable Things

Written by Tae Keller

A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.

5.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,812 ratings

320 pages· 52,518 words· Est. 7.5 hour read· 840L

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Bookroo's summary

Natalie believes winning an egg drop contest can fund a trip to see magical orchids, reviving her depressed mother. With her friends' support, she embarks on a journey of hope and discovery, learning that sometimes, talking about problems is the first step to healing. Can the power of friendship and science bring light to her mother's darkness?

From the publisher

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR - THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY - KIRKUS REVIEWS

The spectacular debut novel from the Newbery Award winning author of When You Trap a Tiger. This is an uplifting story about friendship, family, and the complicated science of the heart.

When Natalie’s science teacher suggests that she enter an egg drop competition, she thinks it could be the perfect solution to all of her problems. With the prize money, she can fly her botanist mother to see the miraculous Cobalt Blue Orchids–flowers with the resilience to survive against impossible odds. Her mother has been suffering from depression, and Natalie is positive that the flowers’ magic will inspire her mom to fall in love with life again.

But she can’t do it alone. Her friends step up to show her that talking about problems is like taking a plant out of a dark cupboard and exposing it to the sun. With their help, Natalie begins an unforgettable journey to discover the science of hope, love, and miracles.

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Words: 52,518
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 840L

Themes & topics

Books about mother-daughter relationships Books about helping others Books about depression and mental illness Books about the scientific method Books about friendship

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.8

“Tae Keller is a talented storyteller. Her writing is really easy to read. This story deals with some serious themes. Natalie's mom suffers from depression. Natalie starts to see a counselor to help her cope. There are some fun friendships. The story centers around a favorite science experiment: the egg drop. The uses a familiar trope—trying to win prize money to solve family problems.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

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