If you missed L.G. Reed’s guest post yesterday on her Favorite Middle Grade books you can check it out here. I’ve taken the blog back today to review her new book—
Eleven-year-old Cassie Williams wants to a be an astronaut and make movies in space. Problem is she doesn’t like science and it’s a needed component. With a science fair in her future she vows to get a scholarship or win the top prize and use the award money to attend Space Camp. First though she’ll have to change her attitude toward science.
This STEM novel will enlighten readers with what it takes to have a top notch science fair project, even if you can’t afford the materials. Cassie’s dad has lost his job so her project on how the four forces of flight affect an airplane has to be no cost. She has to get past a jerk of a older brother who is out to destroy any progress she makes.
Her best friend Wylie might be more than a best friend, but he has his own project to create. Cassie learns you have to work hard to attain her goals, but will it be enough to gain a free ticket to Space Camp?
She is coaxed and inspired by her science teacher and mentor Elizabeth, an engineer. This was a nice turn to have females in science helping Cassie rather than the usual male presence. The third person narration through 26 chapters flows nicely. A bonus section of back material is not to be missed for future science fair participants and those aspiring to an engineering career.
A fun and enlightening story for anyone who is less than enthusiastic about science or for those who need to see the big picture of how to increase effort and attain excellence.
THE SCIENCE OF DEFYING GRAVITY is available now!
About the Author
Author and publisher, L. G. Reed believes stories that provide an artistic or relationship story along with a science focus can be an effective way to hook girls into STEM, especially at the earliest ages. She targets middle school because research has shown that these years are crucial to establishing girl’s interest in STEM topics.
Reed’s background in science and technology came from her career as an aerospace engineer, and her latest book THE SCIENCE OF DEFYING GRAVITY reflects that. She insists, however, that the book isn’t just about science. It’s about perseverance and curiosity — because every kid has those traits. Her goal is to spark their interest and get them to think that science and tech is something they can do.
Reed’s debut novel, The Maiden Voyage of the Maryann won the Cygnus Awards 1st Place – Women’s Fantasy/SciFi Category. Her second book, a middle-grade fantasy titled Sydney Porter: Dog Girl was an Amazon best seller.
Adding to her writing, she is channeling her love of books and writers into Keyes Canyon Press, an independent publisher focusing on middle grade and young adult fiction, and poetry for all ages. Keyes Canyon Press seeks outstanding manuscripts that encourage reading and learning. Un-agented authors are encouraged to submit.
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Always in the Middle... 
What a really great story for students! Paired with a girl wanting to be an astronaut, this is a perfect read. The right mentor helps. I disliked science and math in school and it would have been nice to have a mentor to encourage me. Found out in college I did well — so surprised.
This sounds like a welcome addition to middle grade books. It sounds terrific. I will check it out. Thanks for the heads up.
This sounds like a book I will love. I would have had so much fun going to space camp. I wanted to be an astronaut for a period of time when I was growing up and still love anything space related. Thanks for the introduction! 🙂