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sandhills_kt's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book because I have depression and wanted to read it with my daughter and see if it could help her understand anything. It was a nice book, she really enjoyed it.
mwbuell's review against another edition
5.0
I read How to Trap A Tiger last year… but THIS is the book that has made me a huge Tae Keller fan. I love how Tae related Natalie’s complicated emotions to science and the scientific process. I loved all the bits about the flowers. But most of all… the reveal of Natalie’s mother’s depression.
The whole book, I assumed that Natalie’s mother was terminally ill—and perhaps she really was—just not in the physical way that I was anticipating. But when it was revealed that the sickness or “the situation” was depression, I was touched. Suddenly so much of Natalie’s perspective made sense, in a way that it hadn’t before.
This is the first book I’ve read from the perspective of a child whose parent is battling mental illness. I hope it is not my last. The author did a phenomenal job of expressing a child’s complicated feelings—even resentment—while holding such a beautiful space for healing and hope.
The whole book, I assumed that Natalie’s mother was terminally ill—and perhaps she really was—just not in the physical way that I was anticipating. But when it was revealed that the sickness or “the situation” was depression, I was touched. Suddenly so much of Natalie’s perspective made sense, in a way that it hadn’t before.
This is the first book I’ve read from the perspective of a child whose parent is battling mental illness. I hope it is not my last. The author did a phenomenal job of expressing a child’s complicated feelings—even resentment—while holding such a beautiful space for healing and hope.
victorialynch's review against another edition
5.0
Well done middle grade fiction because of the delicate handling of depression. We understood the effects of the mother's depression on the family. Cute school and story as well.
withthebanned's review against another edition
3.0
This was a sweet story, but I really felt like I needed more.
rebekah_rei's review against another edition
5.0
INCREDIBLE! This is a weighty story, but Tae Keller is a genius in the way she tells it. The main character, Natalie, is working on a middle school science project while also wrestling with the reality of her mom's depression. I am very impressed with this book! It was an easy 5 star rating for me!!
miszjeanie's review against another edition
5.0
What a stunning piece of work!! FYI, this book is not just for middle graders. When Natalie’s mom stops coming out of her room for months in a row, their small family is shaken and they stop really talking.
In THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS, Tae Keller tackles a multitude of themes with impressive finesse and relatable writing. From a parent suffering depression to what true friendship means, family and the importance of heritage, this book is loaded!
Despite being aimed at middle graders, Keller’s book does not gloss over mental health struggles. It is honestly one of the most honest and realistic portrayals of depression I’ve read. The protagonist Natalie is brave, independent and dynamic. I fell in love quickly with Dari and a bit slower with Twig, but what great friends Natalie has!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for people of all ages. It is so well written with complex, engaging characters that you will never forget.
PS- the audiobook is equally fantastic! Jennifer Kim is an incredible narrator.
In THE SCIENCE OF BREAKABLE THINGS, Tae Keller tackles a multitude of themes with impressive finesse and relatable writing. From a parent suffering depression to what true friendship means, family and the importance of heritage, this book is loaded!
Despite being aimed at middle graders, Keller’s book does not gloss over mental health struggles. It is honestly one of the most honest and realistic portrayals of depression I’ve read. The protagonist Natalie is brave, independent and dynamic. I fell in love quickly with Dari and a bit slower with Twig, but what great friends Natalie has!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book for people of all ages. It is so well written with complex, engaging characters that you will never forget.
PS- the audiobook is equally fantastic! Jennifer Kim is an incredible narrator.
thatweirdbookgirlie's review against another edition
4.0
Note to self: I read this for class on the topic of self awareness.
This was a cute listen. How a child deals with dealing with her mother's depression through friendship and science.
This was a cute listen. How a child deals with dealing with her mother's depression through friendship and science.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to the author and publisher for sharing a copy of this book with @kidlitexchange for review! All opinions are my own.
YAY for girls + SCIENCE!!! My 6th grade daughter is majorly into science and it is SO hard to find books for her that fit this interest area, so I was ecstatic to start reading this and realize just HOW science-y it is! The entire story is based on the scientific method and the science projects of Natalie and her friends, along with a storyline about Natalie's botanist mother and her research. SCIENCE HEAVEN! However, this isn't JUST for science fans. There are excellent storylines about Natalie's changing friendships in middle school and her mother's depression, along with her relationship with her father and feelings about counseling and middle school in general.
Required purchase for middle school libraries and highly recommended for grades 5-8. I am purchasing a copy for my library and have already pre-ordered a copy for my daughter.
YAY for girls + SCIENCE!!! My 6th grade daughter is majorly into science and it is SO hard to find books for her that fit this interest area, so I was ecstatic to start reading this and realize just HOW science-y it is! The entire story is based on the scientific method and the science projects of Natalie and her friends, along with a storyline about Natalie's botanist mother and her research. SCIENCE HEAVEN! However, this isn't JUST for science fans. There are excellent storylines about Natalie's changing friendships in middle school and her mother's depression, along with her relationship with her father and feelings about counseling and middle school in general.
Required purchase for middle school libraries and highly recommended for grades 5-8. I am purchasing a copy for my library and have already pre-ordered a copy for my daughter.
aishidoodah's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hereisenough's review against another edition
5.0
this is such a beautiful middle grade book about family and friends and plants and depression and survival... i’m smitten and a lil bit weepy. definitely a new favorite.
“but right then, in that greenhouse, full of life and light and second chances, we were okay. as it turns out, you can’t always protect breakable things. hearts and eggs will break, and everything changed, but you keep going anyway.
because science is asking questions. and living is not being afraid to answer.”
“but right then, in that greenhouse, full of life and light and second chances, we were okay. as it turns out, you can’t always protect breakable things. hearts and eggs will break, and everything changed, but you keep going anyway.
because science is asking questions. and living is not being afraid to answer.”