49 pages • 1 hour read
Tae KellerThe Science of Breakable Things
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Tae Keller's epistolary middle-grade novel The Science of Breakable Things, seventh-grader Natalie Napoli documents her journey to win a science competition with the help of her teacher and friends. She hopes to use the prize money to take her botanist mother, who has depression, to see the miraculous cobalt blue orchids in New Mexico, leading her to learn valuable lessons about science, friendship, family, and mental health.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tae Keller’s The Science of Breakable Things deftly balances emotional depth and scientific curiosity. Readers appreciate its sensitive portrayal of mental health and complex family dynamics. The protagonist’s voice is authentic and engaging, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s an uplifting and thought-provoking read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read The Science of Breakable Things?
A reader who enjoys The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller likely appreciates emotional and heartfelt middle-grade fiction. Similar to fans of Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree or Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Counting by 7s, they enjoy stories of personal growth, resilience, and the exploration of mental health through a young protagonist’s journey.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
840LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Children's Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Mental Illness
Depression / Suicide
Relationships: Family
Identity: Mental Health
Emotions/Behavior: Love