The Secret of the Magic eyePad by Marsha Tufft is a captivating blend of STEM education, creativity, and personal growth, making it an ideal read for middle-grade students. The story centers on Putney Hicks, a 12-year-old budding inventor who has just relocated from Kodiak Island, Alaska, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Struggling to adjust to her new surroundings, Putney’s life takes an exciting turn when she receives a magical tablet with a holographic assistant named Sam. This device sparks her imagination and becomes a tool for her journey of self-discovery and innovation. The novel is structured around Putney’s experiences at her new STEM-focused school, where she faces challenges ranging from social rivalries to creative competitions. Her participation in the sit-upon design challenge is pivotal in the story, showcasing her resilience and inventive spirit.

Marsha Tufft’s writing is engaging, integrating STEM concepts such as rapid prototyping and phase diagrams into the narrative. Including hands-on experiments and design challenges adds an interactive dimension to the book, encouraging readers to explore their creativity. The author’s expertise as an engineer adds to the technical aspects, making the story both educational and entertaining. Many illustrations engage readers and add to the fun of learning. The characters are well-developed, with Putney’s growth as an inventor and individual being the heart of the story. The magical realism introduced by Sam adds a layer of wonder, while the realistic portrayal of middle school dynamics keeps the narrative grounded. The Secret of the Magic eyePad encourages young readers to embrace their creativity and explore the world of STEM. Its engaging storyline and empowering message make it a must-read for anyone looking to inspire the next generation of inventors and problem-solvers. It’s a valuable tool for middle-school teachers to use in their curriculum.

The Secret of the Magic eyePad by Marsha Tufft is a creative and hands-on companion guide designed to spark curiosity in young readers, especially those interested in science and invention. Inspired by the adventures of Putney Hicks, this book offers a mix of engaging STEM experiments, vocabulary challenges, and story analysis activities. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers who want to make learning both fun and meaningful. The guide stands on its own, so kids can dive into experiments like building volcanoes or testing the Straw Trick even if they haven’t read the original story. Along the way, the book encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence, helping children see that learning can be exciting and rewarding.

Marsha Tufft’s writing is clear and encouraging, making tricky science concepts feel approachable. The instructions are well-organized, and the pace of the book keeps kids interested without overwhelming them. Each activity is explained step by step, with plenty of helpful questions and real-life examples to make the lessons understandable. The characters from the original story, especially Putney, add a sense of adventure and motivation. I appreciate how the themes of creativity, resilience, and friendship are woven throughout the guide. As someone who enjoys hands-on projects, I found the experiments both educational and fun, and I could see how they would build confidence in young inventors. The Secret of the Magic eyePad is a great resource for anyone looking to inspire a love of STEM and problem-solving in children.