Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship

March 1, 2019
In her debut chapter book, Platt shares the story of a young girl navigating friendships and the challenges of trying to win her school's science triathlon.Young Parker Bell is a curious child who loves science and aspires to match up to Mae Jemison and Jane Goodall one day. Her best friend and partner in science is coding whiz Cassie Malouf. They have been best friends since kindergarten, but Parker gets jealous when Cassie suddenly starts becoming friendly with Theo Zachary, a shy boy in their class. Parker worries that Cassie likes Theo more than her, and she fights hard to keep her friend. Matters only get worse when Cassie invites Theo to be part of their team for the science triathlon, which features a science trivia contest, an egg drop, and a presentation. In a somewhat predictable plot, Parker realizes she has a lot in common with Theo as she spends more time with him. Platt works hard to defy gender stereotypes. In addition to the girls' STEM enthusiasm, Parker's mom teaches phys ed, her dad owns a bakery, and Cassie's mom teaches math. Zhai's simple black-and-white illustrations of Parker, Cassie, and the classrooms provide a good visual aid to the story, depicting Parker and Theo as white and Cassie with dark skin and long black hair. A lighthearted read that will offer comfort to young children that others too face challenges of friendship, teamwork and competition. (Fiction. 6-10)

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April 1, 2019

Gr 2-5-Parker Bell wants to be a scientist like her heroes Jane Goodall and Mae Jemison. She's looking forward to participating in her school's Science Triathlon with her best friend, Cassie. But then Cassie invites Theo to join their team. Theo isn't too friendly toward Parker and she's worried that the group won't be able to work together and that Theo will steal Cassie from her. She soon discovers that while things don't always work out, it doesn't mean that good things can't still happen. Platt blends science concepts smoothly into her narrative, allowing readers to appreciate the value of scientific principles in their lives. Parker, Cassie, and Theo all have different interests but they manage to compromise and work together toward a common goal. Parker discovers that human relationships are as much an art form as a science when she sets up an experiment to work through her problems with Theo. VERDICT A delightful combination of science and narrative that will work well in libraries where STEM stories and friendship tales are needed.-Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 27, 2019
On the day that her elementary school’s Science Triathlon will be announced, Parker Bell agonizes over what to wear. Finally, she employs the scientific method to choose a black-and-white dress, which, she believes, suggests a fierce animal, to “show everyone how fierce my interest in science is.” Throughout her spirited middle grade debut, Platt (Grow) emphasizes Parker’s preoccupation with a passion for science and math—fueled by her admiration for Jane Goodall and Mae Jamison—while enhancing that STEM-inspired underpinning with relatable themes. When her BFF Cassie invites her shy new friend Theo to join their triathlon team, resentful Parker dramatically laments that their “dynamic, scientific duo was going to be a not-so-dynamic, not-so-scientific trio.” But open-mindedness, teamwork, and burgeoning friendship triumph. The kids’ projects showcase innovative, if not entirely sound, thinking; in one amusing scene, Parker and her partners set loose the squeaking, robotic guinea pigs they’ve created, throwing the school auditorium into chaos. First-time book illustrator Zhai contributes energetic illustrations that freely convey Parker’s seesawing emotions as she negotiates the ups and downs of pursuing her steadfast scientific aspirations. Ages 7–10.