With Science Week officially under way this week, what better way to celebrate than with a fun, science-y chapter book and some exciting experiments to activate your beacons! The spectacular things about The Secret Science Society’s Spectacular Experiment aren’t just its awesome alliterated title, or the comedic cast of characters. It’s also the explosive blast of empowering goodness that has readers splattering with giggles and fired up to try molecular combinations for themselves. Like, for instance, a massive volcanic eruption fuelled by loads of bi-carb soda, vinegar and dishwashing liquid, just like the Secret Science Society’s popular Science Expo display. Authors Kathy Hoopmann and Josie Montano definitely elicit a powerful chemical reaction in awe of the wonderful world of science, as well as an awareness and appreciation of defined, diverse personalities (including children with anxiety and on the spectrum) within this engaging read for early primary to Middle Grade readers. It’s a blast!

ROMI SHARP of MY LITTLE STORY CORNER.  Read full review here

The Secret Science Society’s Spectacular Experiment, by Kathy Hoopmann and Josie Montano, was released during science week, and the fun of science is at its core. It centres on four unlikely friends – Zane, Bart, Kiki and Mona – who are brought together to work on their school’s science expo. Each of the children is marked out as “different” at the school.

Zane has ADHD, Bart is on the autism spectrum, Kiki has anxiety, and Mona is struggling to control her negative emotions – as a result she is very unpopular at school. The story deals with the difference in experience presented by all the characters in a sensitive, nuanced way that I – as a sufferer of anxiety now and in childhood – found both honest and extremely well-handled. Both the book’s authors have lived experience of working with neuro-diversity, and it really shows in the writing.

This book will, hopefully, be helpful to young readers experiencing their own difference – and encourage more “typical” young people to have empathy for those in their lives who may present differently from the way they do. But the difference in these characters – while important to their personalities – never overshadows the story. Which is, at its core, a story about friendship, persistence, overcoming obstacles, creative thinking and – of course – science.

I can imagine many budding young inventors and investigators being inspired to create their own experiments and inquiries, after reading about the plucky group at the heart of The Secret Science Society. And those kids who – like I did – believe that science is not for them will be, hopefully, drawn in by the gorgeous illustrations and fun, adventure and tension-filled tale, and might start to have their minds changed.

I wish it hadn’t taken thirty-something years for me to realise that science can be thrilling and exciting. I wish books like this one had been around when I was a kid. I’m glad my daughter is growing up in a world where science is cool and is seen as a worthy pursuit for all children, not just “science nerds” or the extremely clever.

And you know what? Maybe it’s not too late. This morning, my daughter got up with an idea for an “automatic book sorting machine”. Maybe we can combine both our passions – books and science – and create something amazing. Just like the kids in this book.

Watch this space.

Kate Gordon – Just Write For Kids   READ FULL REVIEW HERE

The story opens with Zane, bored with the lesson and struggling to see the sense in the teacher’s instructions. When, in total innocence, he decides to find out what could be so bad about mixing those coloured powders, his usually calm teacher springs into action and evacuates the classroom. From there the tension and excitement escalates as four diverse children are thrust together to create an experiment for the soon-to-be-held science expo. It’s a chance for Zane, who often acts without thinking to show he can be responsible as he works with his best friend Bart, who has a tendency to take things literally and prefers to work on his own, Kiki who sees disaster in every situation and difficult-to-please Mona.

 was drawn into the story from its opening and I’m certain children will be too, seeing elements of themselves and their classmates in the familiar characters and situations as they try to work together, each contributing equally to the experiment. The story deals with diversity in an open and honest way that will help children develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of themselves and others who may have quirky characteristics due to ADHD, ASD, Anxiety or other differences.  

The book, perfect for reading aloud to the class, provides opportunities for sensitive and open discussions of emotions and diversity which in turn contribute to the development of empathy. It just might inspire children to ask their own science questions and conduct their own science experiments too, responsibly, of course.

The Secret Science Society’s Spectacular Experiment is also suitable as an introduction to chapter books for your more able readers.

Norah colvin of readilearn. Read full review here 

I got an early review copy by the publisher and I am very honored to have this opportunity to read and review the book before it’s on the shelves! And this is what I wrote: Secret+Science+Society! What more could anyone ask for? This book is such an amazing catastrophe that will blow your mind away!

During one of Kathy Hoopmann’s sessions that I attended, we watched a short video of Kathy and her co author doing some science experiments. They were looking really excited and happy and that enthusiasm combined with Kathy Hoopmann’s secret and special ingredient made this book incredibly interesting. This is the sixth book by Kathy that I have read, and I find it amazing how with every new idea in all of her books she manages to introduce us to a different character with a Social Syndrome each time and makes us more aware about it. It’s a good read and I enjoyed it!

Leen (aged 10) from Goodreads.  

In her latest book, Kathy Hoopmann sets a group of unlikely young classmates together in a continuous frolic from one incident to another. With co-author, Josie Montano, Hoopmann has the children’s teacher, the kindly Mrs Mythos, putting Zane, Bart, Kiki and Mona together for a science expo. Each has characteristics that sets them apart: Zane with his ADHD; Bart with his autism; Kiki with her anxiety; and Mona with her pessimism. The Secret Science Society draws them together. 

Hoopmann takes us on a delightful journey as each of the children contributes their own unique talents and approaches to life to their Secret Science Society. Their trials and tribulations unfold as the children plan and work with and against each other to overcome the obstacles for putting together their experiment. 

The ending is not predictable and leaves open possibilities for the future of the group. Ann-Marie Finn’s jaunty illustrations perfectly complement the style of the story. A great read to support inclusion in the classroom. 

Alison Mackenzie of Playgroup Queensland

This is the story of four very different children, all put together to work on the same science project. Each of them have their own unique ways, and do not really get along that well! Zane is always looking for excitement and has trouble concentrating, Kiki is anxious about everything, Bart likes things to be done exactly as they should be, and Mona never seems to be happy about anything.  Can this group of four individuals manage to work as a team to pull it all together for the upcoming science expo? 

This is a great story about strengths and weaknesses, diversity and acceptance, and learning to work together. Not to mention that it highlights how much fun can be had with science experiments! All primary readers aged 8+ are sure to enjoy this book. 

Lamont Book Review  See full review here