Maple's Theory of Fun
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Perfect for fans of Dork Diaries and Emmie & Friends, this first book in a diary-style illustrated middle grade series follows an anxious, science-minded sixth grader determined to become fun and win back her friend.
Sixth grade has been pretty disaster-free for aspiring astronaut Maple McNutt—which is impressive, given the number of worries and possible catastrophes that run through her head every day. (So far, Earth hasn’t been devoured by a black hole and a cockroach hasn’t crawled out of her toothpaste mid-squeeze. Phew!) But then her best friend of seven-point-two years, Sunny Gwon, accuses her of being unfun and starts hanging around with a new group of friends.
In order to win Sunny back, Maple decides to undergo a serious scientific transformation to become fun by 1. Doing extensive research, 2. Applying research to self, and and 3. Repeating until fun. It’s risky and groundbreaking research, but Maple has no choice if she wants to save her friendship.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
When white-cued Maple McNutt's best friend Sunny Gwon (who knows four languages: English, Korean, Spanish, and binary) asks, "Why can't you just be fun?" Maple worries that her logical mind and cautious behavior is pushing her loved ones away. Employing the scientific method, aspiring astronaut Maple develops a four-step plan, hoping to become fun in time for the Invention Convention, a STEM–focused contest that Maple and Sunny promised to participate in together. Maple enlists Lada Quiche, a new student from Hungary, to be her research assistant, and as the two conduct outlandish experiments—such as creating laughing bowties using 3D printers—Maple and Lada grow closer, forcing Maple to consider whether she wants to join Sunny's invention team or stick with Lada for the convention. Via Maple's journal—rendered in prose bursting with personality—debut creators McMillan and Prillaman tenderly balance Maple's fears of losing a friend with outrageously silly scenes, inventions, and dialogue. Simple b&w cartoon-style illustrations permeate a heartfelt series opener that accentuates the joy of experimentation as experienced by winning, memorable characters. Ages 8–12.
