The Next Level (Ellie, Engineer #2)

Gr 2-4--The second book in the series focuses on Ellie's struggle to be accepted. When Ellie and her friends help their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Curran, by fixing up her house, the older woman believes that Toby, not Ellie, is responsible for the engineering and building. Ellie and her friends work to convince Mrs. Curran that girls can be engineers, too. The plot delves more deeply into gender stereotyping than the first installment, and the protagonist's frustrations are something with which many young girls will identify. Ellie is an intrepid problem-solver who knows who she is and what she loves to do. She is able to stand up for herself and, eventually, convince Mrs. Curran that girls and women can do and be anything. Illustrations of Ellie's creative ideas and designs are included as is as a guide to simple machines. VERDICT A solid STEM-themed book with a strong focus on empowering young women to embrace and pursue their interests.--V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC

"Without resorting to didacticism, this book offers an important message about how making assumptions and believing stereotypes can hurt people. Children will enjoy the humorous situations . . . Teachers will appreciate Ellie's guide to simple machines in the back of the book and the meaningful integration of engineering concepts." —School Library Connection

"A structurally sound story about challenging assumptions and responsible engineering." —Kirkus Reviews

"Look out, Junie B. Jones! Ellie the engineer is thinking, making, creating, and showing enthusiasm and brilliance with her creations!" —School Library Connection on ELLIE, ENGINEER

"Charming. . . . In addition to spotlighting engineering, the narrative contains strong themes of friendship and working together toward a common goal." —School Library Journal on ELLIE, ENGINEER

"Pearce emphasizes Ellie's persistence and individuality. . . . Mourning's notebook-style images help give a sense of how Ellie's brain works." —Publishers Weekly on ELLIE, ENGINEER

"Explicitly rejects the idea that activities and objects are gendered (e.g., boys and girls can both like engineering and tea parties). . . . A spirited, duplicable depiction of STEM fun." —Kirkus Reviews on ELLIE, ENGINEER

"An entertaining and memorable story. . . Pearce sets the stage for what could easily become a favorite series." —Publishers Weekly on THE DOUBLECROSS

"A zany. . . clever protagonist. Oddball characters with plenty of heart and nifty gadgets will draw in readers who appreciate humorous underdog stories." —Booklist on THE DOUBLECROSS

"This sequel will continue to thrill fans of the series. Wacky and action-packed." —Kirkus Reviews on THE INSIDE JOB

"A fun-filled adventure from start to finish." —Booklist on THE INSIDE JOB