The Friendship Experiment

Reviewed by: Anne Donovan - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

Maddie comes from a long line of scientists, most recently her recently deceased and beloved grandfather, and her father who is currently working diligently on a cure, or at least treatment for, an inherited blood disease that she and her sister share. More than anything she too considers herself an aspiring scientist and is dealing as well with all the typical angst of starting middle school without her best friend by her side ( as said friend has the opportunity to attend a private school). In a very touching and clever and smartly written narrative we follow Maddie as she tries to cope with all her angst and family issues by scientifically (as her grandfather taught her) to formulate Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) to deal with her life...and unfortunately for her she keeps them all in a private notebook that becomes public and causes a world of hurt and misunderstanding. Maddie eventually comes to awareness of the roles of kindness, empathy, friendship and family. The characters, adult and children, are engaging and likable and grades 5 - 8 will enjoy Maddie's ride. The blood disorder her family shares is real and the author shares an afterward with details. Girls who are themselves aspiring scientists will appreciate the lack of gender bias!

Overall Book Score: very good