Parker Bell and the Science of Friendship

Budding scientist Parker Bell really wants to win the school Science Triathlon and follow in the footsteps of her idols, chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall and astronautMae Jemison. She’s sure that if she teams up with her trivia whiz BFF, Cassie, they will dominate the Science Bee, Egg Drop, and Animal Adaptation Presentation. When Cassie invites her new friend, Theo, to join their team, Parker is worried—that Theo won't help them win and might steal her best friend. As the three work together, Parker learns that you don’t have to be the best to be a real scientist and a good friend.

Reviews

“A lighthearted read that will offer comfort to young children that others too face challenges of friendship, teamwork and competition.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Throughout her spirited middle grade debut, Platt emphasizes Parker’s preoccupation with a passion for science and math…while enhancing that STEM-inspired underpinning with relatable themes. [O]pen-mindedness, teamwork, and burgeoning friendship triumph.”—Publishers Weekly

“A delightful combination of science and narrative.”—School Library Journal

“Laugh-out-loud moments during the presentation, especially after Parker convinces her teammates to build robotic guinea pigs (what could possibly go wrong?), will have readers hoping for a victory for Parker.”—Booklist