We Are All Made of Molecules
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 12+
Family Break-Up Humorous Stories, Personal & Social Issues: Divorce, Separation
Meet Stewart. He’s geeky, gifted and sees things a bit differently to most people. His mum has died and he misses her all the more now he and Dad have moved in with Ashley and her mum.
Meet Ashley. She’s popular, cool and sees things very differently to her new family. Her dad has come out and moved out – but not far enough. And now she has to live with a freakazoid step-brother.
Stewart can’t quite fit in at his new school, and Ashley can’t quite get used to her totally awkward home, which is now filled with some rather questionable decor. And things are about to get a whole lot more mixed up when these two very different people attract the attention of school hunk Jared. . .
Creators
Susin Nielsen got her start writing for popular television series, Degrassi Junior High. Since then, she’s written for many Canadian TV shows and her young adult novels have received considerable critical acclaim. Word Nerd and My Messed-Up Life won multiple Young Readers’ Choice Awards. The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the UKLA Award, the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award, the Canadian Library Association’s Children’s Book of the Year and many Young Readers’ Choice Awards, while We Are All Made of Molecules was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Susin lives in Vancouver with her family and two extremely destructive cats.
Reviews
Snappy and witty. A really fine YA novel.
Telegraph Books
A book to fortify readers against bullies and homophobes.
Sunday Times
I loved We Are All Made of Molecules, it’s a really special little book with a huge heart and one of the most enjoyable YA books I’ve read in some time
Melissa Cox, Waterstones
A sheer delight. That next life-affirming book. I’m adding We Are All Made of Molecules to the canon of hope; brilliant books for those kids on the cusp of the next stage in their lives.
Katie Clapham, Storytellers Inc
There’s already so much love out there for this one, and deservedly so. Two of the most memorable characters you will read this year… Nielsen deals with some big issues – grief, loss, bullying and homophobia – but anchors the story with terrific warmth and humour. One to make you laugh, cry and read in one sitting.
Editor's Choice, The Bookseller
An uplifting and funny story of modern family life, of adapting and changing and acceptance.
Guardian, The Best New Children's Books
This is stellar, top-notch stuff
Quill and Quire, Starred Review
This savvy, insightful take on the modern family makes for nearly nonstop laughs
Kirkus
By turns humorous and heartbreaking… Their overlapping journeys will leave readers with much to think about, as Nielsen unflinchingly tackles issues such as bullying, bigotry, and tolerance
School Library Journal
No one – absolutely no one – captures the lovable flaws of the pubescent human creature like Susin Nielsen
The Globe and Mail
I implore you to read this book, it will definitely put a smile on your face. Beautifully written.
Once Upon a Bookcase Blog
Full of heart and I loved the message. All in all a book I adored entirely.
Overflowing KLC Blog
Lovely read that made me laugh and cry. This year’s Wonder!
Jess Hearts Books, Goodreads
Warm, funny and unforgettable… a 2015 must-read, with the potential to become this year’s Wonder.
The Bookseller, Fiona Noble
Humorous, consistently entertaining and perfect for a quick, light hearted read.
Hannah, Guardian Children's Books Site
There are a plethora of reasons to read this book. Gentle family comedy.
Alligator's Mouth Bookshop Blog
Much to think about in this likeable, funny book.
Marilyn Brocklehurst, Bookseller
From the first page to the last, the novel triumphs.
Jade for lovereading4kids.co.uk
Ashley and Stewart are irresistible characters and this is set to become one of the most popular books of the year.
Andrea Reece, Lovereading
Nielsen excels at characterisation… richly developed, emotionally compelling and often very funny. Unputdownable.
INIS
An absolute gem. Wonderfully warm-hearted. Definitely one of my favourite contemporaries of the year so far!
YAYeahYeah Blog
An absolute gem. Wonderfully warm-hearted. Definitely one of my favourite contemporaries of the year so far!
YAYeahYeah Blog
One of the best YA books I’ve read. It pulled me from the depths of a month-long reading slump… it made me excited to read again.
Wondrous Reads Blog
Susin Nielsen’s depiction of grief was picture perfect. A sweet, funny, touching and incredibly important book.
So Many Books So Little Time Blog
It is only rarely that you come across a book filled with such vivid and enjoyable characters that you really do not want it to end. Warm yet unsentimental, witty and wonderful book.
The School Librarian
Thought-provoking, at times poignant and often hilarious. Thoroughly enjoyable story.
Carousel
Hilarious, light-touch exploration of some hard-hitting issues – love, grief and the desire to fit in – told in two compelling voices.
Imogen Russell Williams, Teens on Moon Lane
Nielsen is just a perfect writer for teenage readers. Subtle mix of humour, seriousness and important values.
Teen Book Hoots blog
Funny and heart-warming
Gloucestershire Families
