
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling with big, explosive feelings of anger they can't seem to control or explain. The story follows Joey, an 11-year-old science enthusiast who decides to use the scientific method to figure out the cause of her own anger. This logical approach, however, begins to damage her relationships with her two moms and her best friends, who don't appreciate being part of her experiments. This book provides a wonderfully accessible entry point into discussing emotional regulation, neurodivergence, and the value of therapy. It normalizes intense feelings and shows that seeking help is a sign of strength. For any child who tries to think their way out of feeling, this book offers a gentle, compelling story about learning to accept emotions for what they are.
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Sign in to write a reviewProtagonist's well-intentioned actions to understand herself sometimes hurt her friends and family.
The book's central theme is emotional dysregulation and anger management, handled directly and with empathy. Therapy is introduced as a positive, helpful tool, and Joey's initial resistance and eventual acceptance are portrayed realistically. The story features a two-mom, blended family, which is presented as a normal and supportive family structure. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Joey begins a journey toward understanding her anger with professional help, rather than finding a magical cure. The approach is entirely secular.
This book is perfect for a logic-driven 8- to 12-year-old who struggles with intense emotions they can't articulate. It's especially well-suited for a child who feels 'different' because of their big feelings or who is hesitant about the idea of therapy. It provides a non-threatening framework for kids who prefer problems and solutions over talking about feelings.
The book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed. However, parents should be prepared for questions about therapy, as the book destigmatizes it effectively. The scenes where Joey feels like something is wrong with her are powerful places to pause and reassure a child that feelings are normal, even when they are big and uncomfortable. A parent has just seen their child have a major emotional outburst, followed by confusion or shame. The child might say, "I don't know why I got so angry!" or express frustration at their own reactions. The parent is looking for a way to start a conversation about managing big feelings without making the child feel broken or blamed.
Younger readers (8-9) will connect strongly with Joey's friendship troubles and the frustration of not being understood. Older readers (10-12) will appreciate the deeper themes: the metaphor of science for understanding the self, the nuances of neurodivergence (even if unlabeled), and the maturity it takes to ask for help.
Unlike many books about feelings that are more direct or abstract, this book's unique premise of applying the scientific method to emotions is its key strength. It provides a brilliant access point for analytical kids, reframing emotional intelligence as a fascinating puzzle to investigate rather than a scary internal storm.
Eleven-year-old Joey loves science and believes any problem can be solved with the scientific method. When her own explosive anger starts causing friction with her mom, her new stepmom, and her best friends, Layla and Vee, she decides to make herself her next experiment. She resists her parents' suggestion that she see a therapist, determined to find a logical explanation for her feelings. Through a series of flawed experiments, Joey learns that emotions don't follow neat formulas and that accepting help from others is a crucial part of understanding herself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.