• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Jeanne Wald

Children's Book Author

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Mia Marcotte
  • Activities
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Book reviews / Book review: Ada Lace, on the Case

Book review: Ada Lace, on the Case

February 18, 2019

Cover of the STEM chapter book "Ada Lace, on the Case" by Emily Calandrelli
  • Series: An Ada Lace Adventure
  • Author: Emily Calandrelli (with Tamson Weston)
  • Illustrator: Renée Kurilla
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
  • Publication year: 2017
  • Age range: 6-10 years
  • Number of pages: 128

“Ada Lace, on the Case” by Emily Calandrelli is among the best chapter books I’ve read!

It’s an exciting mystery adventure full of modern technology (wireless camera, tablet, drone, robot) and great scientific concepts, such as Occam’s razor and Turing Test, which are introduced in a fun and engaging way.

I really love the main character Ada. This 8-year-old girl has an analytical mind, loves field guides and always refers to scientific evidence. She considers that making cool gadgets (e.g. gecko gloves) and upgrading the old ones (e.g. walkie-talkie) is the best possible pastime.

The story starts with Ada being stuck at home because of a broken leg. The fact that she’s just moved to the new neighborhood doesn’t help. However, her quiet and uneventful life turns upside down when she meets Nina, a quirky, superstitious girl with all sorts of wild theories. And when a neighbor’s dog suddenly disappears, Nina is the only person who can help Ada solve the mystery and find the dognapper. As a result, the seeming opposites get closer and develop a true friendship.

I also liked the wealth of supporting characters – from Ada’s energetic little brother Elliott to lovely Ms. Reed – each adding a unique touch to the story.

This chapter book has a lot to be loved for: interesting characters, engaging plot, nice black & white illustrations and modern technology. It’ll surely be an instant hit for any STEM-loving kid!


Filed Under: Book reviews

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Book review: Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet
  • 15 Standalone Books about STEM Girls for ages 8-12
  • Book review: Diary of an Ice Princess: Snow Place Like Home
  • 15 Middle Grade Book Series about STEM Girls for ages 8-12
  • 15 Chapter Book Series about STEM Girls for ages 6-10
  • Book review: Girls Who Code: The Friendship Code
  • Book review: Ruby Goldberg’s Bright Idea
  • Book review: Jada Jones: Rock Star
  • Book review: Sophie Simon Solves Them All
  • Book review: Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers
  • Book review: The Fourteenth Goldfish
  • Book review: Lucy’s Lab: Nuts About Science
  • Marina Moreira: Aerospace Robotics Scientist
  • Book review: Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist: Lunch Walks Among Us
  • Book review: Marty McGuire
  • Book review: Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: Summer Set in Motion
  • Book review: Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet: Skunked!
  • Sofija Spasojević: Signal Processing & Machine Learning Scientist
  • Book review: Ivy and Bean Break the Fossil Record
  • Book review: Ellie, Engineer

Footer

Looking for something?

Connect with me

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • goodreads
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • mail

Join my monthly newsletter

Jeanne Wald Reading Club 2

Copyright © 2021 · Jeanne Wald. All rights reserved.