The Science of Breakable Things
By Tae Keller
March 6, 2018
Random House
Source: from pub for review
How do you grow a miracle?
For the record, this is not the question Mr. Neely is looking for when he says everyone in class must answer an important question using the scientific method. But Natalie's botanist mother is suffering from depression, so this is The Question that's important to Natalie. When Mr. Neely suggests that she enter an egg drop competition, Natalie has hope.
Eggs are breakable. Hope is not.
Natalie has a secret plan for the prize money. She's going to fly her mother to see the Cobalt Blue Orchids--flowers that survive against impossible odds. The magical flowers are sure to inspire her mother to love life again. Because when parents are breakable, it's up to kids to save them, right?
Seventh-grader, Natalie and her parents are dealing with a "situation". The "situation" being that Natalie's once happy, vibrant botanist mother has Depression. Confused, angry, and hurt Natalie thinks it's her job to "fix" her mother and she finds the solution when her science teacher encourages her to enter an egg drop competition. If she and her best friend, Twig, and new friend, Dari, can win the prize money, Natalie can take her mom to see the impossible and miraculous Colbalt Blue Orchids, which will hopefully bring back her mother's joy.
Tae Keller's The Science of Breakable Things is a heartfelt and wonderfully crafted new middle-grade novel. Told through Natalie's honest and relatable perspective, The Science of Breakable Things feels very intimate, like having a long chat with an old friend. Keller's exploration of Depression and its effects on not only the one who has it, but those they love, is crafted with authenticity and great care. The Science of Breakable Things does not shy away from the often heart wrenching and painful emotions that families experience when dealing with mental illness. Young readers who have been in Natalie's shoes will find comfort in her story, and those who never have, will walk away with a bigger sense of compassion.
I really love Natalie, as we have a lot in common (we're both ¼ Korean, we both have an awesome Korean grandma, we've both seen Depression up close and felt its unforgiving effects, and we both gravitate towards awesomely eclectic and quirky people)! Natalie, Twig, and Dari's friendship adds so much heart and humor to the story, and young readers will really love getting to know this trio. And Natalie's science teacher, Mr. Neely, with his enthusiasm and adorkable humor, is also a standout character.
The Science of Breakable Things is a beautiful and important story full of heart, honesty, and humor.
MY RATING
5/5 Cupcakes
TAE KELLER grew up in Honolulu, where she wrote stories, ate Spam musubis, and participated in her school’s egg drop competition. (She did not win.) After graduating from Bryn Mawr College, she moved to New York City to work in publishing, and she now has a very stubborn Yorkie and a multitude of books as roommates. 
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