Dragons vs. Unicorns
(Kate the Chemist #1)

Gr 2-5--Kate lives and breathes science and chemistry--literally! After a successful attempt to breathe fire during her after-school chemistry club session, Kate thinks a science camp would be just the ticket to enjoying her fall break. Instead, her friends and her principal mom encourage her to join the drama camp, where Kate snags the coveted assistant director position. After a few disasters, including a glue mishap, Kate realizes someone is trying to sabotage her. Using hypotheses and scientific methods, Kate is on the case to uncover the saboteur before the opening night play becomes a failure. What she ultimately discovers, however, is something much more important and timely. VERDICT This title, which features playfully worded definitions sprinkled throughout, proves that science and fun go together like molecules in a polymer. A delightful addition to early middle grade collections.--Amanda C. Buschmann, Carroll Elementary School, Houston