Very fun read! I initially only chose this book for the cover and the description but I'm very delighted the book lives up to its promise. Not only is it captivating to read but it's also educational and brings up important issues to be discussed.

Thank you Books Forward PR for the e-copy of The Antidotes, an upper middle grade novel about a class of fifth graders who overcome their differences and come together for science! When Gir and Izi discover that plastic pollution in the Chesapeake Bay is causing toxic reactions in bacteria, they gather their school Science Club and, with the help of Gir’s scientist parents, sleuth out the cause of the plastic pollution. Overall, this book’s central message encourages kids to come together for the betterment of their community and environment, and perhaps have a little fun along the way.

Disclaimer: I can’t really gauge what reading level this book is suitable for, since I don’t willingly interact with kids. Additionally, since this book takes place in a near-future, “post-pandemic” world, some topics may be distressing, including lost family members, anxiety, anti-science misinformation from villain characters, etc.

Inspirational. fast-paced book. If we look at kids, we will notice that kids tend to be forgiven more easily rather than an adult. You will see an example of it in this book. A bunch of geek kids that heritage the cleverness of their parents come out to solve the world crisis. They might be having an argument at the beginning but in the end, they managed to solve the puzzle. They work together and come out with different ideas and help each other.

The Antidotes by Dr. Patricia Mechael is a middle grade novel all mini scientists will love. The story alternates narration between Gir (a male) and Izi (a female) who are friends and classmates. Along with some of their other classmates, the two grade 5 students are part of a science club. The science club is studying marine biology and the impact of pollution, toxins and bacteria on the ecosystem and public health. When a mysterious disease starts spreading very similarly to the COVID-19 virus, the science club puts their new skills to work and are a huge part of determining what needs to be done to protect fish and people.

The novel is just over 200 pages long and is divided into about 21 chapters. The font is fairly large and is clean and easy to read. There are several pictures and infographics spread throughout the book that help readers comprehend the scientific material, though it is fairly straightforward and easy to follow. There are also text chats and other items that will make it appealing to the middle grade audience. It is a well written book that is a great length and is set up for middle grade readers to feel successful and engaged as they follow this story.

I love that the book highlights issues that middle grade readers care about and understand first hand. Middle graders are very concerned about pollution, litter and the environment. They also have a very real understanding of the pandemic and the impact that an unknown virus can have on the entire world. This current group of middle graders has a stronger understanding of these ideas than any other generation because of their age and involvement in the pandemic. Additionally, the trauma associated with being removed from friends and family and their daily routines of school is still very close in their memories and they would feel for the characters in the story. I also love the themes of STEM and women in STEM as middle grades is the time when young girls often start to develop math and science anxiety. By showing readers that girls were an important part of the science club and contributed to solving a huge scientific problem, this book shoves open that STEM door.

As a grade 3 teacher I could definitely see having a copy of this book in my classroom library. I think that the diverse characters, the realistic problem and the STEM and environmental conservation content are all things that make this book a fabulous choice for middle grade teachers and parents. I would recommend this book for readers in the grade 3-7 range. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!