Goldie Blox Rules the School!: GoldieBlox, Book 1
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Goldie Blox Rules the School! kicks off a chapter book series by Stacy McAnulty based on the GoldieBlox toys and media intended to encourage girls' interest in STEM. It showcases a lively, smart, capable girl and a diverse group of friends. As a chapter book for developing readers, it doesn't aim to portray engineering and innovation realistically, but to show that solving challenges can be fun and exciting. There's also a line of GoldieBlox apps.
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What's the Story?
GOLDIE BLOX RULES THE SCHOOL! starts with Goldie's surprise first day at Higgs Bozon Prep. She has to transfer there after she accidentally blew off the second story of her mom's Blox School. Goldie's a creative whirlwind, and her new classmates are taken aback by her hyper-enthusiastic energy. She doesn't feel she fits in at HiBo, so she strikes a deal: If they help her rebuild Blox School, she'll return there and HiBo can go back to normal. They set aside their differences to work as a team to get Goldie out of HiBo -- and animosity soon turns to friendship.
Is It Any Good?
Young engineer Goldie Blox proves there's still plenty of room for creativity in the classroom with her first outing in a new chapter book series intended to showcase girls in STEM. Goldie Blox Rules the School! is an easy-to-read, lively book sure to ignite kids' imaginations. Stacy McAnulty's Goldie is a firecracker from the very first page, and Lissa Marlin's artwork captures her unceasing energy.
The focus is on creativity and fun -- this is closer to Inspector Gadget than a solid demonstration of engineering principles at work. And Goldie's tendency to barrel ahead without considering possible consequences and practical considerations has the unfortunate effect of making her seem a bit daffy. But it's impossible not to get swept up in her giddy adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the creative process in Goldie Blox Rules the School! What do you think Goldie does well, and what could she do better?
If you've played with GoldieBlox toys or used related apps, how do they compare with the book? Do you think this is a good extension of the brand, or do you prefer other products?
Have you enjoyed other books, movies, or shows with girls talented in STEM?
Book Details
- Author: Stacy McAnulty
- Illustrator: Lissy Marlin
- Genre: Science
- Topics: STEM, Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Science and Nature
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 2, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 9
- Number of pages: 128
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 27, 2017
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