2018
WISE Score
Amazon
Natalie tries to fix her mom’s depression using the scientific method and a high-stakes egg drop contest.
4.7
Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This is a fantastic pick for a kid who wants a story with some actual meat on its bones. It’s not a 'fun, breezy' read, but it’s not a total downer either.
It manages to be smart about science and even smarter about how families deal with things that feel broken. If your kid is aging out of 'baby' books but isn't ready for the high-octane drama of YA, this is the sweet spot.
Perfect for the 10-12 crowd (grades 5-7). Younger kids (8-9) can handle it if they're strong readers or if you're reading it with them, but the emotional nuances of depression might fly over their heads.
It handles a heavy topic—a parent's clinical depression—with a lot of grace. It models supportive friendships and a teacher who actually cares, without feeling like a 'very special episode' or being overly saccharine.
The book uses the scientific method as a literal framework for Natalie's life. The egg drop contest is a great hook that makes science feel like a tool for solving messy human problems rather than just a school subject.
It's a middle-grade novel, so it's inherently safe from the 'brain rot' or 'surprise violence' categories. The only 'danger' is the emotional weight of seeing a parent struggle to get out of bed, which might be a trigger for some kids.
This is top-tier for emotional intelligence. It gives kids a vocabulary for mental health while sneaking in some solid STEM enthusiasm. It’s the kind of book that makes a kid feel seen if their own home life isn't perfect.
Get a personalized guide on any topic
