Since my
daughter recently graduated as an engineer, I was extra-excited to read this
one!
Description
from Amazon:
Ellie is an
engineer. With a tool belt strapped over her favorite skirt (who says you can't
wear a dress and have two kinds of screwdrivers handy, just in case?), she
invents and builds amazing creations in her backyard workshop. Together with
her best friend Kit, Ellie can make anything.
As Kit's birthday nears, Ellie
doesn't know what gift to make until the girls overhear Kit's mom talking about
her present--the dog Kit always wanted! Ellie plans to make an amazing
doghouse, but her plans grow so elaborate that she has to enlist help from the
neighbor boys and crafty girls, even though the two groups don't get along.
Will Ellie be able to pull off her biggest project yet, all while keeping a
secret from Kit?
Why you want to read this book…
I especially
loved all the illustrations with Ellie’s sketches and plans! Along with the
typical conflicts between friends that is characteristic of middle grade books,
there are lots of pranks and a lot of creative problem-solving. Ellie is a very
positive and energetic character and I wanted to hang out with her and make
something.
Opening:
Ellie Bell was in her workshop.
Technically, it was a playhouse, because it was the little covered bit on her
playset. But this was where Ellie worked, so that made it a workshop, if you
asked her.
If you’re a writer…
I loved the way the story kept me interested through lots of action and
fun story events (like the pranks and Ellie’s inventions). It’s a great example
for anyone writing middle grade who wants to embed science or STEM in an
engaging way.
When a boy ran up and rang the
doorbell, stepping on the mat would send a big poof of red paint powder up at
him from the ground.
If you’re a teacher…
This book is noteworthy since it showcases girls who love
science and building as well as tea parties and French-braiding. It also shows how sometimes many different attempts are needed to solve a problem.
“You don’t
need a special class to build things. Maybe to build really big things, like
skyscrapers or lasers, but you can build things just for fun.”
