Question

Write a book report on The science of breakable things

Answer 1

A middle school story in which parental depression manifests itself in absence.

Natalie’s vivacious botanist mother (who’s white) has retreated from life, leaving her therapist husband (who’s biracial) and daughter to fill the gaping hole she has left. With the help of an egg-drop contest and a scientific-method project, Natalie explores breakable things and the nurturing of hope. Narrating in first-person, the mixed-race seventh-grader (1/4 Korean and 3/4 white) is drawn to her mother’s book, titled How to Grow A Miracle. It reminds her of when her mother was excited by science and questions and life. With a STEM-inspired chapter framework and illustrated with Neonakis’ scientific drawings, Keller’s debut novel uses the scientific method to unpack the complex emotions depression can cause. Momentum builds over nine months as Natalie observes, questions, researches, experiments, and analyzes clues to her mother’s state of mind. Providing support and some comic relief are her two sidekicks, Dari (a smart Indian immigrant boy) and Twig (Natalie’s wealthy, white best friend). The diversity of the characters provides identity and interest, not issue or plotline. Tension peaks at the egg-drop contest, as the three friends plan to use the prize winnings to bring Natalie’s mother back to life with a gift of a rare cobalt blue orchid. Paralleling their scientific progress, Natalie reluctantly experiences her first visits to talk therapy, slowly opening like a tight bloom.

A compassionate glimpse of mental illness accessible to a broad audience. (Fiction. 10-14)

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

Answer & Explanation:

"The Science of Breakable Things" is a middle-grade novel by Tae Keller that explores themes of family, friendship, and resilience through the eyes of its protagonist, Natalie Napoli.

Natalie is a seventh-grader who lives in a small town with her parents and her best friend, Twig. Natalie's mother has been diagnosed with depression, and this has had a significant impact on their family life. Natalie is determined to find a way to help her mother feel better and, in doing so, gain some control over her own life.

Natalie's science teacher, Ms. Wong, announces a project that will give each student the chance to research and present on a topic of their choice. Natalie decides to focus on the goldenrods, a type of plant that blooms once a year and is said to have healing properties. Natalie believes that if she can find a way to make her mother better, everything else in her life will fall into place.

As Natalie delves deeper into her research, she begins to understand that life is complex and that there are no easy solutions to the problems she faces. She learns that science is not about finding the answers but about asking the right questions. Along the way, Natalie discovers that friendship and love can provide the support she needs to face life's challenges.

One of the strengths of "The Science of Breakable Things" is the way it deals with mental health. The author portrays Natalie's mother's depression in a sensitive and realistic way, showing how it affects not just her but also her family. Natalie's search for a cure is both touching and misguided, and the novel ultimately shows that there are no quick fixes when it comes to mental health.

Another strength of the novel is the relationship between Natalie and her best friend, Twig. The two girls are very different, but their friendship is a source of support and humor throughout the book. Twig's irreverent personality provides a counterpoint to Natalie's seriousness, and their banter is one of the highlights of the novel.

Overall, "The Science of Breakable Things" is a heartwarming and insightful novel that explores important themes in a way that is accessible to young readers. It is a reminder that life is complex and that there are no easy solutions to the problems we face, but that with the support of family and friends, we can find the strength to face them.