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Ellie, Engineer #1
Ellie, Engineer
The hilarious and smart start of a series about a girl who loves to build—STEM-powered, creative fun for girls.
Ellie is an engineer. With a tool belt strapped over her favorite skirt (who says you can’t wear a dress and have two kinds of screwdrivers handy, just in case?), she invents and builds amazing creations in her backyard workshop. Together with her best friend Kit, Ellie can make anything. As Kit’s birthday nears, Ellie doesn’t know what gift to make until the girls overhear Kit’s mom talking about her present—the dog Kit always wanted! Ellie plans to make an amazing doghouse, but her plans grow so elaborate that she has to enlist help from the neighbor boys and crafty girls, even though the two groups don’t get along. Will Ellie be able to pull off her biggest project yet?
Illustrated with Ellie’s sketches and plans, and including backmatter with how-tos, this is full of engineering fun!
Ellie is an engineer. With a tool belt strapped over her favorite skirt (who says you can’t wear a dress and have two kinds of screwdrivers handy, just in case?), she invents and builds amazing creations in her backyard workshop. Together with her best friend Kit, Ellie can make anything. As Kit’s birthday nears, Ellie doesn’t know what gift to make until the girls overhear Kit’s mom talking about her present—the dog Kit always wanted! Ellie plans to make an amazing doghouse, but her plans grow so elaborate that she has to enlist help from the neighbor boys and crafty girls, even though the two groups don’t get along. Will Ellie be able to pull off her biggest project yet?
Illustrated with Ellie’s sketches and plans, and including backmatter with how-tos, this is full of engineering fun!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2018
28 people are currently reading
967 people want to read
About the author
Jackson Pearce
30 books2,613 followersI am not very active on Goodreads-- this is largely a placeholder account! Therefore, I do not read Goodreads mail. If you want to get in touch with me, please go here: CONTACT ME!
Jackson Pearce currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy and currently works for a software company even though she auditioned for the circus (she juggled and twirled fire batons, but they still didn’t want her). Other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist.
Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
June 29, 2020
My seven-year-old son is an engineer like Ellie and loved this so much I got him his own copy to treasure when we have to return the library copy. Yay. I appreciate many aspects of the book, such as encouraging boys and girls to be friends with one another and not making judgements based on gender. There's "girl power" without berating boys and I think it's a book boys and girls could both enjoy. The accompanying illustrations, while few and far between, are delightful as they are Ellie's engineering sketches for her inventions. I love that these are child-like but also fairly professional in detail, they are drawn on grid paper and some even include measurements. While the writing style didn't really feel "special" to me it was entertaining and Ellie's emotions come through. Some good lessons here about being honest with your friends. I really did not like the use of the word "dumb" and "jerk" ("that was a dumb thing to do" or "those jerk boys"). I also felt annoyed that, once again in a children's book, we have child characters causing destruction (albeit inadvertently) and not doing anything to make amends (Ellie accidentally lets a neighbor's dog out of the yard and it tears through a garage sale knocking things over... and Ellie doesn't ever come back to help clean up the destruction). However, on the whole, I feel the pros outweigh the cons here and I am getting the second book at the library at my son's request.
February 27, 2018
Ellie is exactly the type of character that we want to see more of in children’s chapter books. She is friendly, kind, imaginative, creative and inventive. She is breaking stereotypical boundaries that dictate that girls and boys have to be, act and look a particular way. Ellie likes to wear dresses, but she also likes to invent and create and build and wear a tool belt. What is also wonderful about Ellie and Kit is that they are not afraid to make mistakes - although the hair braiding machine could have been a disaster! They keep detailed notes and drawings about all their inventions and hope to improve on each one. There is some neighbourhood drama and friendship problems which readers will relate to but in the end the neighbourhood pulls together for Kit.
Suitable for 7+ - STEM, friendship, gender stereotyping, inventions
Suitable for 7+ - STEM, friendship, gender stereotyping, inventions
September 28, 2017
I am so in love with this book! I just adored Ellie and I am so glad that this is going to be a series.
I love that Ellie, as a 3rd grader, has a tool belt and wears it over skirts! Love the message that both girls AND boys should be able to like whatever they want to. Girls being engineers, boys drinking tea with pinkies up!
I think this holds a special place because I was, and still am an Ellie. I also am so glad Ellie will be around for my girls to read and be inspired by!
I love that Ellie, as a 3rd grader, has a tool belt and wears it over skirts! Love the message that both girls AND boys should be able to like whatever they want to. Girls being engineers, boys drinking tea with pinkies up!
I think this holds a special place because I was, and still am an Ellie. I also am so glad Ellie will be around for my girls to read and be inspired by!
January 15, 2018
What a great middle grade read! Ellie wants to be an engineer and in fact, already thinks she is one. She has her own tool belt, which she straps on over her skirt, and gets to work building things. Mostly she builds with her best friend, Kit, and they start off by building a giant slingshot to shoot water balloons in a group of boys in another yard. Ellie makes sure to write detailed explanations of all her projects (and whether or not they were successful) in her notebook (illustrations included in the book).
Kit invents an amazing hair braiding machine for Kit's birthday and they decide to try it out even though it's a week before her actual birthday. And it's a huge disaster. Kit doesn't end up getting any hair cut off, but adults reading the book will all know how close a call that was. Despondent that her gift is a bust, and with not much time left, Ellie comes up with a new idea. She and Kit overheard that Kit is getting a dog from her parents, so Ellie decides to build the best doghouse ever. And because she's got so little time, she needs help. She first enlists one of the neighborhood boys, and then she also gets help from a group of crafty girls for the interior.
But the boys and girls in her neighborhood don't get along. So she isn't exactly honest about each's involvement with the others. When they find out, they're all mad at Ellie, and all abandon her. But in the end, they pull together to give Kit the most amazing present of all time!
My favorite part of the book is when Ellie says that, as her father says, there aren't "boy things" and "girl things." There are "Ellie things" and "Kit things." As someone who used to do shipping & receiving with long, painted nails, in a mini skirt, I will testify that one can both dress like a girl, and yet do more a traditionally masculine job. This is a great book for STEM programs, for crafty girls who might spill into more building-engineering projects, and heck, boys should read about girls interesting in building things, too.
Kit invents an amazing hair braiding machine for Kit's birthday and they decide to try it out even though it's a week before her actual birthday. And it's a huge disaster. Kit doesn't end up getting any hair cut off, but adults reading the book will all know how close a call that was. Despondent that her gift is a bust, and with not much time left, Ellie comes up with a new idea. She and Kit overheard that Kit is getting a dog from her parents, so Ellie decides to build the best doghouse ever. And because she's got so little time, she needs help. She first enlists one of the neighborhood boys, and then she also gets help from a group of crafty girls for the interior.
But the boys and girls in her neighborhood don't get along. So she isn't exactly honest about each's involvement with the others. When they find out, they're all mad at Ellie, and all abandon her. But in the end, they pull together to give Kit the most amazing present of all time!
My favorite part of the book is when Ellie says that, as her father says, there aren't "boy things" and "girl things." There are "Ellie things" and "Kit things." As someone who used to do shipping & receiving with long, painted nails, in a mini skirt, I will testify that one can both dress like a girl, and yet do more a traditionally masculine job. This is a great book for STEM programs, for crafty girls who might spill into more building-engineering projects, and heck, boys should read about girls interesting in building things, too.
February 19, 2020
This was a SUPER cute story! I like the interest in engineering and the fact that Ellie likes both engineering, power tools, and fluffy "girly" things.
I think my only complaint is that the story feels very... white. The characters don't seem like they are very diverse.
I think my only complaint is that the story feels very... white. The characters don't seem like they are very diverse.
January 12, 2018
Girls will love reading about the interesting things in which Ellie and her friend Kit involve themselves. Most of it is pretty standard tween stuff but some of it is pretty much off the wall because Ellie is quite an unusual girl. She envisions solutions and those solutions are things she makes or builds. She is a tool-weilding, solution-finding, object-building, girly friend to have around.
Parents today are afforded the opportunity in today's world to raise their boys and girls to be creative individuals who can use their minds and talents to achieve in whatever they have an interest. Typically boys were guided toward the manly professions and girls were guided toward the pursuit of becoming skilled homemakers and loving mothers. Nothing is wrong with any of that. However, some girls have the ability to pursue careers involving the sciences and mathematics. In fact, they can also be loving parents as well as career professionals.
By reading stories such as Ellie, Engineer young girls can see how they can engage in activities in which they are interested and still remain true to themselves. They don't have to be a sterotyped cookie cutter person. They can pursue their interest in the study of chemistry, science, biology, earth science or mechanical, electrical, or any other form of engineering. They can become a performing artist in the field of dance or music or they can develop their talents in these fields for their own personal pleasure while becoming a career professional in another field such as medicine, the legal field, or whatever. Or they can become the world's greatest wife and mother and stay home in that pursuit.
Ellie, Engineer is a cute story brimming with typically joyful young girl interactions with friends and family. A girl who loves being girly and who loves to work with tools creating original items that could conceivably be precursers of a professional career in design.
Now about the text and book itself: The text is written in a style that will capture the interest of the tween reader. That is to say it isn't too "easy" and it isn't complicated behond their interest or ability. The illustrations are quite simple are adequate. In light of the fact that as young readers' skills develop and their books evolve from picture book to chapter book to novel, their books have fewer and less involved illustrations. This allows the reader to mentally visualize the story completely in his or her mind processing word meanings, descriptions, scenes, actions, and characters. It is the ultimate goal of literacy to enable the reader to experience the entire story as he or she processes it in the quiet of the mind.
I think the book is a good book for tweens to read and that they will enjoy it.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary paperback copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are my own and are freely given.
Parents today are afforded the opportunity in today's world to raise their boys and girls to be creative individuals who can use their minds and talents to achieve in whatever they have an interest. Typically boys were guided toward the manly professions and girls were guided toward the pursuit of becoming skilled homemakers and loving mothers. Nothing is wrong with any of that. However, some girls have the ability to pursue careers involving the sciences and mathematics. In fact, they can also be loving parents as well as career professionals.
Just what is STEM? STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work.... (source: a general search of Google)
By reading stories such as Ellie, Engineer young girls can see how they can engage in activities in which they are interested and still remain true to themselves. They don't have to be a sterotyped cookie cutter person. They can pursue their interest in the study of chemistry, science, biology, earth science or mechanical, electrical, or any other form of engineering. They can become a performing artist in the field of dance or music or they can develop their talents in these fields for their own personal pleasure while becoming a career professional in another field such as medicine, the legal field, or whatever. Or they can become the world's greatest wife and mother and stay home in that pursuit.
Ellie, Engineer is a cute story brimming with typically joyful young girl interactions with friends and family. A girl who loves being girly and who loves to work with tools creating original items that could conceivably be precursers of a professional career in design.
Now about the text and book itself: The text is written in a style that will capture the interest of the tween reader. That is to say it isn't too "easy" and it isn't complicated behond their interest or ability. The illustrations are quite simple are adequate. In light of the fact that as young readers' skills develop and their books evolve from picture book to chapter book to novel, their books have fewer and less involved illustrations. This allows the reader to mentally visualize the story completely in his or her mind processing word meanings, descriptions, scenes, actions, and characters. It is the ultimate goal of literacy to enable the reader to experience the entire story as he or she processes it in the quiet of the mind.
I think the book is a good book for tweens to read and that they will enjoy it.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary paperback copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are my own and are freely given.
April 23, 2018
Ellie loves to solve problems by building solutions. For instance, when the neighborhood boys won’t let Ellie and her friend Kit join in their soccer game, she designs and builds a water balloon launcher and soaks them! When she hears that Kit’s mom is going to get Kit a dog for her birthday she decides to build her a dog house for her birthday present. It’s going to be her biggest project yet and will require help from a lot of other kids. Can she keep this project a secret from her very best friend until Kit’s birthday party?
This book incorporated a STEM aspect into it without hitting the reader over the head with it or getting too technical for the intended age group – two through fourth grade. Ellie loves projects but she’s a well-rounded kid with tons of personality. She likes tea parties too. I liked that before she started a project, she sketched it out and that the sketch was included in the book. That’s really helpful for readers like me that have trouble picturing those types of things in their heads. I’ve never seen a home-made French braider before! There is also a handy dandy illustrated glossary of tools at the end. I think this book will appeal to girls and boys alike, no matter how handy they themselves actually are. It’s a great story that shows that girls can be into more than just dolls and tea parties. Highly recommended.
This book incorporated a STEM aspect into it without hitting the reader over the head with it or getting too technical for the intended age group – two through fourth grade. Ellie loves projects but she’s a well-rounded kid with tons of personality. She likes tea parties too. I liked that before she started a project, she sketched it out and that the sketch was included in the book. That’s really helpful for readers like me that have trouble picturing those types of things in their heads. I’ve never seen a home-made French braider before! There is also a handy dandy illustrated glossary of tools at the end. I think this book will appeal to girls and boys alike, no matter how handy they themselves actually are. It’s a great story that shows that girls can be into more than just dolls and tea parties. Highly recommended.
February 19, 2018
This book is fun and a fast read for a young reader, maybe 3rd to 5th grade. The main character has an awesome tool belt and tree house and tackles projects with enthusiasm. I love Ellie's personality and the idea behind the book... that we can all be ourselves and do things that we like to do, outside of "typical" for our gender or age. The drawings though-out the story keep it moving along quickly and are just right.
This is a STEM book... STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. ... By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field. Google Feb 2, 2016
These skills ought to be a part of our regular life and here's a book where they are! Young Ellie is smart and has tools... and uses 'em. Isn't that what we want our kiddos to be and have and do?! Practical, fun engineering... bring it on!!
This is a STEM book... STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. ... By exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts, they will develop a passion for it and hopefully pursue a job in a STEM field. Google Feb 2, 2016
These skills ought to be a part of our regular life and here's a book where they are! Young Ellie is smart and has tools... and uses 'em. Isn't that what we want our kiddos to be and have and do?! Practical, fun engineering... bring it on!!
March 29, 2018
Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pierce is a cute, quick read about a young girl, Ellie, who likes to build and design inventions. This book is one that I would consider a must-read for parents with young children because of the attack on our societal view of how young girls and boys should act, and what they should like. It has such a positive message for today's children.
Ellie is very active about likely, something as a society is considerably more "boyish", and at points in the novel, she even states that she likes it, and therefore it cannot be "boyish" to paraphrase. It also mentions a boy liking tea parties. It just brings a huge impact about how what we enjoy should not be defined by girlish or boyish, but just accepted as an event that children like.
I would highly recommend Ellie, Engineer to parents with young children, who are more likely to be impacted by the positive message in the book. I also think that it's a great read for adults and young adults who enjoy reading MG books.
Ellie is very active about likely, something as a society is considerably more "boyish", and at points in the novel, she even states that she likes it, and therefore it cannot be "boyish" to paraphrase. It also mentions a boy liking tea parties. It just brings a huge impact about how what we enjoy should not be defined by girlish or boyish, but just accepted as an event that children like.
I would highly recommend Ellie, Engineer to parents with young children, who are more likely to be impacted by the positive message in the book. I also think that it's a great read for adults and young adults who enjoy reading MG books.
March 25, 2018
I especially loved all the illustrations with Ellie’s sketches and plans! Along with the typical conflicts between friends that is characteristic of middle grade books, there are lots of pranks and a lot of creative problem-solving. Ellie is a very positive and energetic character and I wanted to hang out with her and make something.
This book is noteworthy since it showcases girls who love science and building as well as tea parties and French-braiding. It also shows how sometimes many different attempts are needed to solve a problem.
“You don’t need a special class to build things. Maybe to build really big things, like skyscrapers or lasers, but you can build things just for fun.”
This book is noteworthy since it showcases girls who love science and building as well as tea parties and French-braiding. It also shows how sometimes many different attempts are needed to solve a problem.
“You don’t need a special class to build things. Maybe to build really big things, like skyscrapers or lasers, but you can build things just for fun.”
April 30, 2019
nice little series for middle school readers.
Along with a solid story line, readers are introduced to the concept of planning and carrying out a construction project. The safe use of each tool is also discussed.
The boys and girls learn that building things is not just for boys or for girls, but something that they can do together.
Along with a solid story line, readers are introduced to the concept of planning and carrying out a construction project. The safe use of each tool is also discussed.
The boys and girls learn that building things is not just for boys or for girls, but something that they can do together.
August 31, 2020
I liked how Ellie never gave up even. Though it was hard work to build a good dog house.
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January 13, 2023چیزایی که خواهرزادههام مجبورم میکنن بخونم:
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ولی آخه چرا باید کتاب کودک رو کتابی ترجمه کرد؟ 🤔
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January 13, 2018
When the boys of the neighborhood exclude the girls from their soccer game, Ellie Engineer and her best friend Kit strike back by building an amazing water balloon launcher and soaking them all. The water balloon launcher is just one of the many engineering ideas that Ellie keeps in a notebook in her tool belt along with her hammer, two screwdrivers, and her prized possession, a mini electric drill. Ellie loves engineering, and all the neighborhood kids are eager to help, but the ins and outs of friendship prove a bit harder to solve than the problems Ellie encounters with a hammer and nails. Nevertheless, Ellie persists and puts her brain to work to solve problems both physical and personal.
I predict that Ellie, Engineer will inspire a generation of tool-carrying, invention-drawing kids in the same way that Harriet the Spy inspired note-scribbling, sneaking kids in my generation. Readers will root for Ellie as she designs solutions to problems and gets herself out of scrapes. Themes include questioning gender roles, friendship, and inventiveness. For teachers looking for strong girls and STEM connections, you’ll find them in this delightful new series.
Ellie, Engineer is the first of Jackson Pearce’s books I’ve read, but I’m now inspired to look for more. You can bet I’ll be waiting expectantly for the next book in the Ellie, Engineer series to come out.
I received a review copy of Ellie, Engineer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It will be on sale Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
I predict that Ellie, Engineer will inspire a generation of tool-carrying, invention-drawing kids in the same way that Harriet the Spy inspired note-scribbling, sneaking kids in my generation. Readers will root for Ellie as she designs solutions to problems and gets herself out of scrapes. Themes include questioning gender roles, friendship, and inventiveness. For teachers looking for strong girls and STEM connections, you’ll find them in this delightful new series.
Ellie, Engineer is the first of Jackson Pearce’s books I’ve read, but I’m now inspired to look for more. You can bet I’ll be waiting expectantly for the next book in the Ellie, Engineer series to come out.
I received a review copy of Ellie, Engineer from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It will be on sale Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
March 13, 2018
SUCH a cute book! I read this with my two daughters, ages 7 and 9 and they loved it. They couldn't stop talking about Ellie's projects and her friends.
It's a very cute, very girl-centric story about a girl that loves to build things. She gets annoyed when the boys in her neighborhood won't let her play soccer with them, so she builds a water balloon launcher and soaks them.
There's much more to the story besides neighborhood rivalries, though. Ellie deals with various friend drama, white lies, and of course, fun building projects.
I requested this book for my seven-year-old because she loves to build things. So far, she's stuck with cardboard boxes, but she's built pet hotels and multi-level doll houses. Ellie Engineer was a perfect fit for her.
I'm so happy to see more books like this for girls. It's wonderful for my girls to feel like they aren't alone in their interests.
Content: Clean
Source: The publisher sent me an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
It's a very cute, very girl-centric story about a girl that loves to build things. She gets annoyed when the boys in her neighborhood won't let her play soccer with them, so she builds a water balloon launcher and soaks them.
There's much more to the story besides neighborhood rivalries, though. Ellie deals with various friend drama, white lies, and of course, fun building projects.
I requested this book for my seven-year-old because she loves to build things. So far, she's stuck with cardboard boxes, but she's built pet hotels and multi-level doll houses. Ellie Engineer was a perfect fit for her.
I'm so happy to see more books like this for girls. It's wonderful for my girls to feel like they aren't alone in their interests.
Content: Clean
Source: The publisher sent me an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
February 19, 2018
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...
I so often hear stories from women my age that share that they loved science or nature or math when they were younger but that they were steered away from that those interests in little ways that they don’t even remember, but they do remember just not loving science anymore. This is exactly the scenario that has raised awareness in the need for STEM or STEAM books, programs, and role models for young girls. Ellie Bell is a perfect girl for this mission! Ellie wants to be an engineer when she grows up and even has her own workshop where her parents give her free reign to work on projects (with the safer tools–power tools require supervision). Pearce has even set up Ellie Engineer to include drawings and plans for Ellie’s projects to show readers how Ellie goes from an idea to a project. And Ellie’s story is one that all readers will connect with as well, so it is a win-win in narrative and STEM!
I so often hear stories from women my age that share that they loved science or nature or math when they were younger but that they were steered away from that those interests in little ways that they don’t even remember, but they do remember just not loving science anymore. This is exactly the scenario that has raised awareness in the need for STEM or STEAM books, programs, and role models for young girls. Ellie Bell is a perfect girl for this mission! Ellie wants to be an engineer when she grows up and even has her own workshop where her parents give her free reign to work on projects (with the safer tools–power tools require supervision). Pearce has even set up Ellie Engineer to include drawings and plans for Ellie’s projects to show readers how Ellie goes from an idea to a project. And Ellie’s story is one that all readers will connect with as well, so it is a win-win in narrative and STEM!
August 16, 2018
Ellie is a character after my own heart! She's smart, creative, friendly, and she has her own sense of style! Ellie is a perfect character for middle grade readers (girls and boys)! When I was Ellie's age, I didn't know what an engineer was -- and in retrospect, I've always thought that I should have studied engineering (and maybe I would have if I knew about it before I had chosen my university major ;) ). She's a bit like me as a kid (imaginative, resourceful, willing to try new things) and a bit like my daughter, who is smart, creative, and has an individual and classy sense of style. We can't wait to see Ellie take it to the next level in Ellie, Engineer: The Next Level!
I received a copy of this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2017
Young Emily (whose dad built her a kid-sized tool bench) would have loved this book. Adult Emily (who recently brought her power drill to work to build a bookshelf) DID love this book!
Ellie is now my inspiration, building clever projects from nothing, and bringing all the neighborhood kids (girls AND boys) together for one epic build.
Loved the message in this book that there aren't girl things and boy things, there are just Ellie things!
Ellie is now my inspiration, building clever projects from nothing, and bringing all the neighborhood kids (girls AND boys) together for one epic build.
Loved the message in this book that there aren't girl things and boy things, there are just Ellie things!
December 13, 2018
This children’s book is about Ellie, a natural engineer. Ellie loves to complete “builds” for a variety of reasons, including time saving devices, like a French braid machine that does not work quite as planned, to a trap to stop snooping brothers. The story begins with Ellie and her best friend, Kit, completing a build of a water balloon launcher to teach the neighborhood boys that it is not okay to exclude the girls from the soccer game. When Ellie’s birthday gift for Kit, the aforementioned French braid machine, acts more as a hair tangler than a hair braider, Ellie realizes that she needs to make a new gift for Kit, FAST. Ellie then comes up with the best idea ever: a fancy doghouse for her fancy friend’s new dog. However, unable to ask Kit for help, she turns to one of the neighborhood “jerk boys”, who turns out to be not such a jerk after all. Unfortunately, Ellie feels that she needs to lie to Kit to keep her secret, and she then lies to several of her friends, creating an unpleasant situation with many hurt feelings that Ellie must navigate. Fortunately, the kids successfully build the doghouse in time for the party—it even has a waterslide—and everyone, even the boys, get to go to Kit’s party to experience the final surprise of the book.
This book is a fantastic story for children from about 6-12 years of age, and is especially suited for girls. Ellie is a strong role model who emphasizes that you do not need schooling to become an engineer (well, maybe for the really tough builds) but instead just a desire to create and a willingness to make and fix your mistakes. The book also deals with themes of exclusion, like when the boys won’t let the girls play soccer, or when the girls neglect to invite the boys to Kit’s birthday party, and why lying is not a good option. There are drawings throughout the book of Ellie’s builds, and there is a guide to Ellie’s favorite tools at the end, starting with safety glasses. It also has humor and a few action scenes, keeping the story moving. I will be encouraging my own son and daughter to read this book, and it would be well received in many elementary classrooms.
This book is a fantastic story for children from about 6-12 years of age, and is especially suited for girls. Ellie is a strong role model who emphasizes that you do not need schooling to become an engineer (well, maybe for the really tough builds) but instead just a desire to create and a willingness to make and fix your mistakes. The book also deals with themes of exclusion, like when the boys won’t let the girls play soccer, or when the girls neglect to invite the boys to Kit’s birthday party, and why lying is not a good option. There are drawings throughout the book of Ellie’s builds, and there is a guide to Ellie’s favorite tools at the end, starting with safety glasses. It also has humor and a few action scenes, keeping the story moving. I will be encouraging my own son and daughter to read this book, and it would be well received in many elementary classrooms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2018
Ellie is a smart, young girl who likes "boy stuff" and "girl stuff". She likes to build and create things, play soccer, get dirty, wear pretty skirts (with her tool belt, of course), and have tea parties with her best friend, Kit. Ellie has a notebook where she keeps track of all her projects including the water balloon launcher (which was a hit) and the French Braider (which was not a hit). Ellie likes to draw out her ideas first in her notepad and use materials found in her workshop or parents' garage (of course, always getting permission first). Her workshop is part of her swingset and holds all her favorite tools.
Ellie and Kit are excited about Kit's upcoming birthday tea party when they overhear (thanks to one of Ellie's contraptions) about Kit's present. That gives Ellie the perfect gift idea. But, she isn't sure she can pull it off by herself and keep it a secret from Kit at the same time. She enlists some help from some friends but the secrets get to be too much and instead of having fun, everyone gets mad. The day of the party arrives and Ellie decides to ask for everyone's forgiveness and to pitch in to finish the project.
I absolutely love this creative and fun story of Ellie and her friends. She is a bright girl with lots of ideas and will be inspiring to girls to create their own ideas. She teaches that it is ok to be friends with boys and girls and like all kinds of things. There are drawing in the book of Ellie's ideas and both in the beginning stages and finished. Ellie has some misses and that is important for kids to realize it is okay to make mistakes and keep trying.
This chapter book is the perfect level for middle-grade readers. There are lots of little problems to solve and silly things that happen to keep kids interested. There are also friendship dilemmas that offer lessons for kids when dealing with their own issues. I think Pearce has created a wonderful concept for a series and it is one I could see girls and boys enjoying!
Ellie and Kit are excited about Kit's upcoming birthday tea party when they overhear (thanks to one of Ellie's contraptions) about Kit's present. That gives Ellie the perfect gift idea. But, she isn't sure she can pull it off by herself and keep it a secret from Kit at the same time. She enlists some help from some friends but the secrets get to be too much and instead of having fun, everyone gets mad. The day of the party arrives and Ellie decides to ask for everyone's forgiveness and to pitch in to finish the project.
I absolutely love this creative and fun story of Ellie and her friends. She is a bright girl with lots of ideas and will be inspiring to girls to create their own ideas. She teaches that it is ok to be friends with boys and girls and like all kinds of things. There are drawing in the book of Ellie's ideas and both in the beginning stages and finished. Ellie has some misses and that is important for kids to realize it is okay to make mistakes and keep trying.
This chapter book is the perfect level for middle-grade readers. There are lots of little problems to solve and silly things that happen to keep kids interested. There are also friendship dilemmas that offer lessons for kids when dealing with their own issues. I think Pearce has created a wonderful concept for a series and it is one I could see girls and boys enjoying!
January 24, 2018
Ellie, Engineer, by Jackson Pearce, (Jan. 2018, Bloomsbury USA), $15.99, ISBN: 9781681195193
Recommended for readers 7-10
Ellie is a 9 year-old engineer: she can take darn near anything apart and make it something even cooler. Most of the time. When she sets out to make an amazing birthday gift for her best friend, Kit, she finds herself in the middle of a friendship mess: the girls normally don't like the "jerk boys", but Ellie's discovered that they're not so bad after all. So she works with each group in secret, hoping to avoid drama. Oops. Ellie has to get both groups talking to her again, and to each other, to finish Kit's birthday present on time!
This is such a fun story about a positive female character who wears what she wants and does what she wants: she rocks a tool belt over her skirts and matches outfits with her best friend. She draws up her own blueprints and can make anything, from a water balloon launcher to a security system that will keep annoying little brother's out of her friend's room. Her best friend, Kit, is a pageant girl and ballet dancer who works right alongside Ellie, and the boys in the neighborhood enjoy a good tea party as much as they do a soccer game. Get it? They're kids. They like to play. This whole story is about bringing boys and girls together under common interests, and it does so nicely. Girls will see themselves in Ellie, especially those who find themselves confused about whether or not girls *can* be friends with boys, or wonder if it's okay to still like pretty dresses if they can rock a screwdriver. There are some laughs: Ellie's got a few backfires, and a few successes that will make kids laugh, and the heart of the story - cooperation and friendship - is a gratifying message. Black and white illustrations showcase Ellie's sketches for different projects, and a section at the end provides illustrations and a guide to basic tools for burgeoning builders and engineers. Give this to the kids who have grown out of Andrea Beaty's Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist. Display and booktalk with the Girls Who Code and the Lucy's Lab chapter books. Put out paper and ask kids to come up with their own plans - what do they want to make? Leave straws, pipe cleaners, cardboard, toothpicks, glue, marshmallows - anything the kids can build with - out and let the room have at it.
Recommended for readers 7-10
Ellie is a 9 year-old engineer: she can take darn near anything apart and make it something even cooler. Most of the time. When she sets out to make an amazing birthday gift for her best friend, Kit, she finds herself in the middle of a friendship mess: the girls normally don't like the "jerk boys", but Ellie's discovered that they're not so bad after all. So she works with each group in secret, hoping to avoid drama. Oops. Ellie has to get both groups talking to her again, and to each other, to finish Kit's birthday present on time!
This is such a fun story about a positive female character who wears what she wants and does what she wants: she rocks a tool belt over her skirts and matches outfits with her best friend. She draws up her own blueprints and can make anything, from a water balloon launcher to a security system that will keep annoying little brother's out of her friend's room. Her best friend, Kit, is a pageant girl and ballet dancer who works right alongside Ellie, and the boys in the neighborhood enjoy a good tea party as much as they do a soccer game. Get it? They're kids. They like to play. This whole story is about bringing boys and girls together under common interests, and it does so nicely. Girls will see themselves in Ellie, especially those who find themselves confused about whether or not girls *can* be friends with boys, or wonder if it's okay to still like pretty dresses if they can rock a screwdriver. There are some laughs: Ellie's got a few backfires, and a few successes that will make kids laugh, and the heart of the story - cooperation and friendship - is a gratifying message. Black and white illustrations showcase Ellie's sketches for different projects, and a section at the end provides illustrations and a guide to basic tools for burgeoning builders and engineers. Give this to the kids who have grown out of Andrea Beaty's Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist. Display and booktalk with the Girls Who Code and the Lucy's Lab chapter books. Put out paper and ask kids to come up with their own plans - what do they want to make? Leave straws, pipe cleaners, cardboard, toothpicks, glue, marshmallows - anything the kids can build with - out and let the room have at it.
October 23, 2018
Ellie loves to design and build useful things and her best friend Kit is usually in on her projects, but this time Ellie might be on her own since this new creation will be Kit’s special surprise birthday present. When the girls overhear Kit’s mother discussing the delivery of Miss Penelope, they are sure that Kit is getting the dog she has always wanted even though her father and sibling are allergic to dogs. Ellie is determined to give her friend a homemade dog house, but such a big project in a short amount of time makes it necessary to for her to seek help from some unlikely new friends and even some that may be former enemies of the girls.
Ellie and Kit’s adventures will inspire and entertain middle grade readers as they learn about what it takes to be an engineer. Ellie and Kit are very believable girls, they have interests that they share and interests that are different from each other and they learn how to accept those differences and make new friends. The book also deals with understanding the consequences of our behavior and making good choices. At the end of the novel, a guide to Ellie’s favorite tools shows a hand drawing of some tools and descriptions of how they are used. Another fun addition is the Illustrations throughout the story. They are done on what looks like Ellie’s graph paper notebook and are of her engineering projects. This visual helps to show that engineers make plans when they build their projects.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
Ellie and Kit’s adventures will inspire and entertain middle grade readers as they learn about what it takes to be an engineer. Ellie and Kit are very believable girls, they have interests that they share and interests that are different from each other and they learn how to accept those differences and make new friends. The book also deals with understanding the consequences of our behavior and making good choices. At the end of the novel, a guide to Ellie’s favorite tools shows a hand drawing of some tools and descriptions of how they are used. Another fun addition is the Illustrations throughout the story. They are done on what looks like Ellie’s graph paper notebook and are of her engineering projects. This visual helps to show that engineers make plans when they build their projects.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
July 6, 2019
I really enjoyed reading “Ellie, Engineer”, which is the first book in a series by the same name, written by Jackson Pearce.
The story has great characters, funny situations (like chasing of a dog wearing a pants-scarf and accidental activation of a bug security system) as well as strong messages about gender stereotypes, honesty, team work and friendship.
The main character Ellie is a smart budding engineer. She wears a tool belt over her skirt, considers a cordless drill the best Christmas present and even has her own workshop (technically a playhouse, but if she works in there it’s a workshop, right?). Ellie loves building new projects (which she carefully lists in her notepad) and even dreams about opening an engineering company together with her best friend Kit. I especially liked how Ellie was always available to help other people by using her engineering skills.
Ellie is good at finding solutions to difficult problems, but when the initial present she’s built for Kit’s birthday ends in a disaster, she has only a few days to come up with a whole new present. After a brainstorming session, she has a great idea, but it’s so ambitious that she has to ask neighborhood kids for help, even though they don’t get along.
This wonderful story with doodle-like illustrations from Ellie’s notepad will be certainly loved by all engineering-minded kids! They’ll also appreciate a how-to guide at the end of the book, explaining how to use all the different tools that Ellie has.
This is a longer book (around 20k words) compared to similar chapter books (usually 8-12K words) and will be great for kids who are more confident readers.
The story has great characters, funny situations (like chasing of a dog wearing a pants-scarf and accidental activation of a bug security system) as well as strong messages about gender stereotypes, honesty, team work and friendship.
The main character Ellie is a smart budding engineer. She wears a tool belt over her skirt, considers a cordless drill the best Christmas present and even has her own workshop (technically a playhouse, but if she works in there it’s a workshop, right?). Ellie loves building new projects (which she carefully lists in her notepad) and even dreams about opening an engineering company together with her best friend Kit. I especially liked how Ellie was always available to help other people by using her engineering skills.
Ellie is good at finding solutions to difficult problems, but when the initial present she’s built for Kit’s birthday ends in a disaster, she has only a few days to come up with a whole new present. After a brainstorming session, she has a great idea, but it’s so ambitious that she has to ask neighborhood kids for help, even though they don’t get along.
This wonderful story with doodle-like illustrations from Ellie’s notepad will be certainly loved by all engineering-minded kids! They’ll also appreciate a how-to guide at the end of the book, explaining how to use all the different tools that Ellie has.
This is a longer book (around 20k words) compared to similar chapter books (usually 8-12K words) and will be great for kids who are more confident readers.
October 22, 2020
So, my nieces and nephew are big time fans of graphic novels. Usually what happens is that I’ll bust out a book, and they’ll immediately check to see how illustrated it is. Upon inspecting Ellie, Engineer with its modest chapter illustrations, the three of them were quick to express their disappointment. So, I started reading it out loud. It just so happened, I was in the room with their mother and grandmother, and within five pages, the entire room had stopped what they were doing to pay attention to the story.
Which is to say that not only is Ellie, Engineer engaging, but Pearce has so thoroughly and humorously captured the voices of of these child STEMmers that on just that point alone I would give this book five stars. More often than not, writers tend to miss the mark when it comes to voicing children. They often wind up more precocious than children of that age tend to be, but Pearce has nailed it beautifully here, and I can’t underscore how much of a craft lesson in voice this book has turned out to be (creative writers take note).
On the surface, the stereotype-busting nature of the book with its inventive female engineer protagonist and sidekick best friend could easily turn some male readers off, but Pearce navigates gender conflicts deftly, never losing sight of the importance of adventurousness, imagination, and teamwork. Ultimately, it’s these three ideas that unify the story into a remarkably satisfying read, which left everyone in the room sad that there was only one book in the series.
That was, until we learned there were more.
Which is to say that not only is Ellie, Engineer engaging, but Pearce has so thoroughly and humorously captured the voices of of these child STEMmers that on just that point alone I would give this book five stars. More often than not, writers tend to miss the mark when it comes to voicing children. They often wind up more precocious than children of that age tend to be, but Pearce has nailed it beautifully here, and I can’t underscore how much of a craft lesson in voice this book has turned out to be (creative writers take note).
On the surface, the stereotype-busting nature of the book with its inventive female engineer protagonist and sidekick best friend could easily turn some male readers off, but Pearce navigates gender conflicts deftly, never losing sight of the importance of adventurousness, imagination, and teamwork. Ultimately, it’s these three ideas that unify the story into a remarkably satisfying read, which left everyone in the room sad that there was only one book in the series.
That was, until we learned there were more.
January 13, 2018
Thank you to @NetGalley and @bloomsburypublishing for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a fun book! The book starts with a boys vs girls issue that Ellie solves by inventing a giant water balloon launcher, but as the book progresses, Ellie learns that we can't and shouldn't always divide things by gender. One area where Ellie is sure that gender doesn't matter is engineering and it is her biggest passion.
I really liked that there were a wide variety of characters in this book. This book does a great job as an enticement for young girls to consider engineering. She is always thinking outside of the box and problem solving and is good at thinking quickly on her feet. As we continue to encourage more and more kids to embrace STEM, books like this are a wonderful addition to their arsenal.
I also love that gender roles are seen as problematic in this book. The girls had been left out of the soccer game in the beginning of the book, even though Ellie is apparently a better goalie than the Dylan. Kit didn't invite any boys to her birthday party because it was a tea party, but Toby loves tea and the idea of a fancy party. In the end, all of the kids learn that working together gets great results.
This is a great addition for grades 2-5.
What a fun book! The book starts with a boys vs girls issue that Ellie solves by inventing a giant water balloon launcher, but as the book progresses, Ellie learns that we can't and shouldn't always divide things by gender. One area where Ellie is sure that gender doesn't matter is engineering and it is her biggest passion.
I really liked that there were a wide variety of characters in this book. This book does a great job as an enticement for young girls to consider engineering. She is always thinking outside of the box and problem solving and is good at thinking quickly on her feet. As we continue to encourage more and more kids to embrace STEM, books like this are a wonderful addition to their arsenal.
I also love that gender roles are seen as problematic in this book. The girls had been left out of the soccer game in the beginning of the book, even though Ellie is apparently a better goalie than the Dylan. Kit didn't invite any boys to her birthday party because it was a tea party, but Toby loves tea and the idea of a fancy party. In the end, all of the kids learn that working together gets great results.
This is a great addition for grades 2-5.
January 18, 2018
I approached this book with mixed feelings, but was quickly enchanted by this fun-loving kid who loves to invent and build. In the opening pages of this chapter book, we meet Ellie and her best friend, Kit. They are deeply absorbed in building a large water balloon launcher out of broomsticks, exercise bands, and Ellie’s dad’s funnel (let’s hope the holes Ellie drills in the funnel don’t prevent him from changing his oil!).
While the invention itself is cool, I adored the reason WHY Ellie needed to build a giant water balloon launcher. The neighborhood boys are playing soccer a few backyards over, but when Ellie asked to join, they told her that only boys were allowed to play. So Ellie created the Water Empress to shoot water balloons across a few backyards at them.
I was delighted to discover that Ellie isn’t just a one-sided character (which was the root of my apprehension as I began the book). She isn’t simply a tool to create a STEM book, but a girl with wide-ranging interests and personality traits.
I highly recommend Ellie, Engineer for your boys and girls. It is fun to read, and informative (we even get a lesson on flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers). I am grateful to have received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
While the invention itself is cool, I adored the reason WHY Ellie needed to build a giant water balloon launcher. The neighborhood boys are playing soccer a few backyards over, but when Ellie asked to join, they told her that only boys were allowed to play. So Ellie created the Water Empress to shoot water balloons across a few backyards at them.
I was delighted to discover that Ellie isn’t just a one-sided character (which was the root of my apprehension as I began the book). She isn’t simply a tool to create a STEM book, but a girl with wide-ranging interests and personality traits.
I highly recommend Ellie, Engineer for your boys and girls. It is fun to read, and informative (we even get a lesson on flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers). I am grateful to have received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
July 1, 2024
As far as age range, some 9 10 11 12 years olds are actually enrolled as college students. I don't think the upper end of the age range 8-12 would want to read this book. Trivial words used like easy peasy and no vocabulary to learn from Ellie, Engineer. Also don't care for the cover design and dislike of the pen name of the illustrator Tuesday Mourning, why not Tuesday Morning? Kind of creepy. The comedy scenes weren't that funny. The dialog was not interesting. "Huh?" is how lots of characters would answer.
Dialog was sparse and in the third person. Disliked the use of the word 'dumb' about five times. Irritating that the character would say about 10 times (not that many but I didn't count) "I'm an engineer." Instead of "I want to be an engineer" or "I am going to be an engineer" or "I am planning to be an engineer." The character was a carpenter or handyperson or general contractor and there is nothing wrong with being these things. Also I was perceiving a lack of diversity in the story. I would characterize the story is as 2 dimensional as the computerized cover art and not the only STEM encouraging book out there.
April 2, 2018
Ellie, Engineer is a great novel about a girl who does it all. Why not be interested in tools and tulle? Ellie has a creative mind and wants to turn her imaginations into realities. When Ellie learns that her best friend and co-inventor, kit, is getting a new dog, she wants to do nothing other than build it a doghouse. Can Ellie manage this difficult task or has she finally found something that just can't be done? Find out be reading this creative story of a little girl interested in much more than just barbie dolls.
Class Questions:
Ellie wants to be an inventor when she grows up. What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
What is something that doesn't already exist that you would like to invent?
Do you have a dog? Talk about the responsibility of owning a pet.
Ellie makes Kit a doghouse, what is something that you would build for a friend?
Is this story realistic? Can children really be inventors? Why or why not?
Pearce, J., & Mourning, T. (2018). Ellie, Engineer. New York: Bloomsbury.
Class Questions:
Ellie wants to be an inventor when she grows up. What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
What is something that doesn't already exist that you would like to invent?
Do you have a dog? Talk about the responsibility of owning a pet.
Ellie makes Kit a doghouse, what is something that you would build for a friend?
Is this story realistic? Can children really be inventors? Why or why not?
Pearce, J., & Mourning, T. (2018). Ellie, Engineer. New York: Bloomsbury.
July 7, 2020
This is a fabulous book to encourage girls (and boys) that they can do anything they're interested in - not just what has been thought to be "just for girls" (or "just for boys"). It's a fun story about a girl who loves to build and considers herself to be an engineer in training. Her best friend, Kit, is having a birthday soon, and Ellie decides to build her something special. She secretly gets help from Toby - one of the boys who wouldn't let the girls play soccer with them, and also secretly from a group of girls who don't like the boys. Problems arise when they all find out about each other, and somehow Ellie has to figure out a way to fix things with Kit, Toby, and the girls before the party.
Surprise ending.
Included are her drawings and in the back of the book are a few pages of information about the tools she uses.
Surprise ending.
Included are her drawings and in the back of the book are a few pages of information about the tools she uses.
September 11, 2018
Ellie, Engineer is a fun chapter book about a young girl who likes to build things. Ellie is very creative and has a big personality. The book starts with her and her friend kit building a water balloon launcher to hit the boys who won't let them play soccer. It shows the "boy and girl" rivalry in grade school, but it also shows that boys and girls can come together for a common cause. A boy who Ellie did not get along with at first, helped her build a dog house for her best friend Kit. This is a perfect beginning chapter book that I would recommend to 2nd or 3rd-grade girls who were very creative determined. I think a lot of young girls could relate to Ellie, and there is also a good lesson about how boys and girls can get along and work together at a young age.
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