Book Description

“Edutainment at its finest—exciting, funny, and impossible to put down!” - Chris Riches, Daily Express“A quirky science adventure with an engaging message of sustainability and hope. Effectively blends environmental science, mystery tropes, and discussions of ethics in this story for STEM-focused middle-grade readers. The narrative handles the complexities of trying to save the world with nuance and care.” - Kirkus Reviews (Our Verdict: GET IT)Ellie doesn’t believe in magic, she believes in science.But science is magic!Science explains everything, right? But when Ellie’s school burns down in roaring purple flames (wait, what?), her favorite teacher hands her wrist bracers that summon the elements (Bracers…Nitrogen!), and she’s invited to join a secret society of the smartest minds on Earth (yikes!), suddenly not everything has an explanation after all!Driven by logic, unshakeable stubbornness, and an unreasonable number of jam jars, Ellie is determined to prove that science can explain everything – no matter how strange things get. But can she?Ellie Ment and the Material Matter is a STEM-based adventure where chemistry meets chaos, physics bends reality, and curiosity might just save the world.*** Praise for ELLIE MENT AND THE MATERIAL ***“Encourages kids to think deeply, explore bravely, and believe their questions matter.” - Will Barker, The Sun"Brilliantly clever! Pure scientific magic!" - John Ward, The Star“You’ll want to share it with every kid you know—and secretly keep one for yourself.” - Female First"Science is just one kind of smart. This book celebrates every kind." - The London Economic*** Why Everyone Should Read ELLIE MENT AND THE MATERIAL MATTER ***The Environment:Tackles real-world issues like microplastic pollution, unsustainable industry practices, and the importance of circularity.STEM AdventureIntroduces children to real scientific concepts (elements, compounds, chemical reactions, quantum superposition) through thrilling, accessible storytelling.Youth EmpowermentEllie symbolizes the next generation challenging the old way of doing things. The story explores the frustration and hope young people experience when confronting adult compromise.Friendship and TeamworkEllie and Michael's friendship highlights the importance of diverse talents—science and art, logic and creativity—working together toward a bigger goal. There isn’t just one type of ‘smart’.Courage and CuriosityThe bravery to ask questions, experiment, and stand up for what’s right underpins Ellie’s journey.*** Foreword by Stanley Johnson ***Stanley Johnson—renowned environmentalist, former MEP, and founder of Europe’s first Environmental Action Programme—provides the foreword for Ellie Ment and the Material Matter. Johnson praises the novel’s ability to make science exciting and accessible while handling deep environmental and ethical themes through story, not lectures. He notes the book’s exceptional balance of idealism and pragmatism, its relevance to real-world ecological challenges, and its capacity to inspire action and curiosity in young readers. Ellie’s bold, chaotic spirit mirrors the real-world drive needed for environmental change, making the story not just an adventure, but an invitation to believe that lasting change can start with a single spark of curiosity.*** Tone and Narrative Style ***- Playful, witty, and self-aware. - The narrator often breaks the fourth wall with cheeky asides, drawing the reader deeper into the adventure. - The tone balances humor and high-stakes tension, keeping younger readers excited while introducing meaningful messages. - Ellie’s failures, experiments, and messy victories are relatable and inspiring for a generation taught that progress is built on persistence