For the child navigating feelings of being different and finding their place, this heartwarming story explores friendship, family, and defining your own normal.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is struggling to find their place among peers. This story follows eleven-year-old Rachel 'Ratchet' Vance, who is homeschooled by her quirky, mechanic-environmentalist father. Told through her journal entries, the book chronicles her hilarious and heartfelt attempts to apply the scientific method to making friends. It gently explores themes of grief, self-acceptance, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in. For ages 9-12, this is a warm, hopeful read about embracing what makes you unique and discovering that 'normal' is just a setting on a washing machine.
The book deals with the past death of a parent (Ratchet's mother). The approach is secular, gentle, and integrated into the character's memories and motivations. Grief is portrayed as an ongoing process of remembering and honoring. The resolution is hopeful, as Ratchet finds new ways to connect with her mother's memory while forming new relationships and a stronger sense of self.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an introspective 9 to 12-year-old who feels a bit different from their peers. It's particularly well-suited for a child with unique hobbies, a non-traditional family structure, or a homeschooled child curious about friendship dynamics in a school setting. It speaks to any child trying to balance fitting in with being true to themselves.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. The themes are presented in a gentle, age-appropriate manner. Parents should be prepared for conversations about what makes a family "normal," the different ways people grieve, and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. The journal format makes the protagonist's thoughts very accessible, which may encourage a child to share their own feelings. A parent might seek this book after hearing their child say, "Nobody understands me," "Why can't we be a normal family?" or expressing anxiety about making friends. It's also a good choice when a child is feeling self-conscious about what makes them unique.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on the friendship plot, Ratchet's quirky personality, and the environmental adventure of saving the park. An older reader (11-12) will connect more deeply with the subtext of identity, the nuances of grieving a parent, and the challenge of defining one's own values against social pressure.
What Makes It Special
The unique combination of STEM skills (mechanics), environmentalism, and a scientific approach to social-emotional learning makes this book stand out. The journal format provides a charmingly direct and humorous voice. Unlike many stories about 'being different,' Ratchet's uniqueness is a fully-formed lifestyle that she learns to own with pride, rather than something to overcome.
Read plot summary
Eleven-year-old Rachel "Ratchet" Vance is homeschooled by her environmentalist mechanic father, living an unconventional life full of carburetors and compost. Told through her journal entries, the story follows her quest to apply the scientific method to making friends for the first time. This personal project becomes urgent when she learns that a local park, the Frog Slog, which holds deep meaning connected to her late mother, is threatened by development. Ratchet must navigate new friendships and rally support to save the park, all while figuring out her own identity and what it means to be "normal."
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ratchet uses a 'Scientific Method for Making Friends.' What were some of her steps? Do you think this is a good way to make friends? Why or why not?
2
Ratchet's dad tells her that 'normal is just a setting on the washing machine.' What do you think he means by that? What does 'normal' mean to you?
3
The Frog Slog was very important to Ratchet because of the memories of her mom. Do you have a special place that helps you remember someone or something important? What makes it special?
4
Hunter is part of the group that wants to build over the Frog Slog, but he ends up helping Ratchet. Why do you think he changed his mind? Was it a difficult decision for him?
