The Science of Breakable Things

A moving, poignant, and funny book about a girl who deals with her mother's depression through an improbable plan to win an egg-drop contest. Hana navigates both new and existing friendships and difficult family dynamics in her quest to understand "the science of breakable things and how to protect

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them." This book will stay with readers, especially those who face depression or experience it in their families.

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Natalie's year-long homework assignment leads her to truths about her life.

What I liked: Loved how Keller tied the scientific process to her entire story and used the steps as chapter headings. Also loved that there were no happy perfect endings. Liked that the author dealt with a tough topic.

What I didn’t like: Wanted to know more about the source of the mom’s

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depression and why it appeared to Natalie that it happened so suddenly. Her point of view made it seem like it was almost instantaneous (thought mom had been fired).

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This was a cute, science themed read for younger teens. It had some very touching, tender moments and I felt extremely sorry for Natalie as she struggled with her mother’s depression. Although Natalie was very likeable with whom many girls will relate to, my favourite character was her best

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friend, Twig. She was such a fun, quirky endearing character with a fierce sense of loyalty. She often brought lighter moments to the story making me smile. A sweet debut.

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Natalie using her scientific journal as her framework to tell the story of what she is learning in science as well as dealing with her mom's illness which seems to be depression. She slowly begins to realize what is happening with her mom and deal with the changes that is bringing her.
She has a

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powerful pair of friends in Twig and Dari who not only are partners on the egg drop project, but become strong supports in other ways too.
I found the voice in this one compelling. There is heavy reflection at the end that I wonder how much it will resonate with middle school students.

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Engaging MG read dealing with the important issue of depression.

children's fiction (1/4 Korean 6th grader deals with her mom's depression, and makes friends).
Relatable and cute story that deals with mental health as well as her dad's uncomfortableness with his mother's Korean-ness.

Entering seventh grade is particularly challenging for Natalie, not because of academics or friendships necessarily, but because her mother is going through a major depressive episode and her parents don’t want to talk about it. Encouraged by her science teacher to enter an egg drop competition,

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Natalie is determined to win because there’s a cash prize that she thinks will help her mother return to ‘normal’ again.

This book was very engaging, written in the style of a school notebook for science class, interspersing observations and footnotes with Natalie’s distinct voice. Natalie’s friends and schoolmates round out the cast of characters who are quirky but believable. The book is an emotional rollercoaster – in a good way – as readers experience the tension of the egg drop competition and the sadness that Natalie feels when she sees her mother doing unwell. This is a great read for those who like character-driven realistic fiction.

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