Entering seventh grade is particularly challenging for Natalie, not because of academics or friendships necessarily, but because her mother is going through a major depressive episode and her parents don’t want to talk about it. Encouraged by her science teacher to enter an egg drop competition, Natalie is determined to win because there’s a cash prize that she thinks will help her mother return to ‘normal’ again.

This book was very engaging, written in the style of a school notebook for science class, interspersing observations and footnotes with Natalie’s distinct voice. Natalie’s friends and schoolmates round out the cast of characters who are quirky but believable. The book is an emotional rollercoaster – in a good way – as readers experience the tension of the egg drop competition and the sadness that Natalie feels when she sees her mother doing unwell. This is a great read for those who like character-driven realistic fiction. ( )

This is a book about a student, Natalie, who enters an egg drop competition in order to win prize money to take her sick mother to see her favorite flower, orchids. Her goal is to get her mother out of her depression by showing her her favorite flower. This book is useful in the classroom because it exposes students to something they may not be familiar with. Teachers can recommend this book if they are working on egg drop competitions. ( )

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. ( )

Tackles the large and hard subject of depression, does a fabulous job with both friendships and with the ways that kids' understanding of the world can betray them. Nathalie, Twig and Dari are endearing characters, and the scientific journal entries give the story structure. ( )

children's fiction (1/4 Korean 6th grader deals with her mom's depression, and makes friends).
Relatable and cute story that deals with mental health as well as her dad's uncomfortableness with his mother's Korean-ness. ( )