The Girl Who Built a Spider

by George Brewington

In this fun-filled, action-packed middle grade novel, three young inventors are offered the chance to work at the renowned Dr. Flax's laboratory―where dazzling science, new friendships, and killer robots await.

When Theresa Brown wins the Charleston County Middle School Science Fair, she receives the opportunity of a lifetime―an invitation to celebrated scientist Dr. Flax’s laboratory and a summer spent building the invention of her dreams. Along with the second- and third-place finishers of the science fair, Theresa is whisked off to a world of robots, excitement, and danger. Dr. Flax claims his inventions are going to help stop climate change and make the world a better, safer place, but is that true? And can Theresa and her friends get to the bottom of the mysteries of his laboratory?

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Chapter Books, Stem

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

George Brewington writes fantasy and science fiction for both children and grown-ups. His first novel for young readers - THE MONSTER CATCHERS - debuted in 2019. His second novel - THE GIRL WHO BUILT A SPIDER - was published in 2023 and is a Sunshine State Young Readers Award Nominee. He lives in the marshes of Folly Beach, South Carolina with his family, surrounded on all sides by snowy egrets, green herons, bottlenose dolphins, and boo hags. George frequently posts on his blog at www.georgebrewington.com.

Reviews

[George Brewington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book and I'm quite fond of it.

[Donna Metler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Three kids win a school science fair, and the chance to work on their projects with the greatest inventor of current time. Except that there are strange things going on.

This is an enjoyable science fiction book that middle grade readers will enjoy, with a great message of hope and encouragement that yes, even a love of bubbles can help make things better,

[Emily Humes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Cute upper elementary read about 3 kids who win the science fair and get to spend the summer in the massive lab of a brilliant scientist inventing whatever they would like. Then they have to save the day when some of his inventions begin to malfunction. Would be a great read-aloud because it has short chapters with lots of cliffhangers.

[Glenna Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea behind this book is great, but all of the emotions seem to be very surface-level. In addition, the action is very uneven; although there were a couple of intriguing twists, overall, the yo-yo of boring to exciting happened too many

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix science with a Willie Wonka Factory type laboratory, well you get Dr. Flax’s amazing laboratory. Inside there is everything you could ever dream of. Flowers and plants galore, doors with mysterious inventions, just the perfect place for a budding scientist to explore. Luckily Theresa, and two other friends from her school have been given just that opportunity when they take first through third place at their school’s science fair. Working with an eccentric scientist can be difficult though, especially when it seems that so many of his inventions are glitching. Can Theresa and her new friends come together and use their unique talents to save Dr. Flax and maybe change the world?
This is such a fun book. I love the idea of showing different areas of science. From the supposedly simplistic study of bubbles to the more complex study of algae that can make food that could save the world. And then highlighting how robots can do so many things and there are so many possibilities for how they could make the world great or destroy it. Science is all in the perspective and some times the most simple thing could turn the whole world around. When you have the right team working with you anything is possible, and this book truly highlights that idea. This is such a fun book for budding scientists. I can’t wait to recommend it.
Thank you so very much to Macmillian Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately loved Theresa- her humility, curiosity and hesitancy to put herself out there., and felt such joy that she was finally given this recognition for her unique gifts. The way that Charleston was described made it very easy to see this story unfold like it was a movie. I didn’t know what to expect, when I read about Dr. Flax and was waiting to see if he would, in fact, be the villain in the end. The way that compassion shows through in the friendships in the father and daughter relationship, Theresa and Bonnie, and even between Dr. Flax and his robot children was innovative. I can’t wait to hear more about their adventures in the Arctic. I hope there’s a sequel soon!

[Amy Evins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book for a young mind. George Brewington creates wonderful characters as he draws you into a magical story where the impossible is possible. The characters exemplify different characteristics which allow the reader to identify with each of them both positively and negatively. I’m always amazed when an author can make me not like a character but change my mind in the end. This great story of invention allows the reader to imagine what they can do. For the aspiring young scientist it is a must read. For the young girl or boy who what’s to change the world …you’re story is here. Kudos and well done. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"With every failure, I learn something...and learning something is always worth while." Wise words from a Willy Wonka-esque scientist who wants to save the world, with the help from his robot family and the three student scientists, Theresa, Jon & Ashley. Theresa wants to stop hurricanes, one of which caused her mother to drown. Ashley wants to be the best, if only to please her parents and Jon just wants to make bubbles. Together these friends take down evil robot twins and forge a lasting friendship and collaboration that will help the future of the plant. A fun, wild ride focusing on STEM and collaboration. A giant robot spider isn't too shabby either!

[Kara (Books.and.salt) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was SO INTENSE for a middle grade novel!!! Willy Wonka meets Mad Scientist, The Girl Who Built a Spider is an action packed story filled with quirky characters and killer robots. I devoured this story in a single sitting because I simply could not put it down.
This was my first time seeing a parent with anxiety in a middle grade novel, and I absolutely loved Theresa's dad and the two's relationship with each other.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theresa Brown is thrilled to learn she is the winner of the county science fair. She is even more excited when she and the 2nd and 3rd place winners are invited to spend the summer with eccentric inventor Dr. Flax in his super-laboratory. Theresa has a personal mission to reduce the impact of hurricanes on her coastal South Carolina home. When something goes wrong with Dr. Flax’s robots, will Theresa and her fellow young scientists be able to come together to save the day?

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I thought, and I liked it well enough, but it’s not a series that I would feel compelled to continue. Dr. Flax is in the role of Willy Wonka who wants to save the world instead of just making delicious candy. Theresa and Jon were great in the roles of Charlie Buckett. Ashley was even more tiresome than Veruca Salt. It’s a cute idea though.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boy has been tearing through his Sunshine State books this year, and he’s been reading a lot of other books, too. It’s great to see because he’s a STEM kid by nature, but he loves to read. This book was his favorite in the SSYRA series thus far. It centers on a girl who wins a science fair for her invention and earns an internship at a famous inventor’s lab. I think I see the appeal.

[Jennifer Rinehart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about 3 students who win their Middle School science fair and get the opportunity to work in Flax Labs for the summer to create whatever inventions they want that will help make the world a better place.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Brewington's THE GIRL WHO BUILT A SPIDER is delightfully fun and charming! And funny! ("Bionic Baby Bottom Buffer" - LOL.) This one is sure to get young readers excited about science.

[Erica Flory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, first science fiction book I have liked in a long time.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. I want to hang out with these characters and visit the lab with them. There is so much awesomeness with this book...I highly recommend it!

[Cynthia Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the creative and innovative story with original characters that struggle and overcome.

[Margaret Gunderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story for grades 3-5. Read with my grandson. Good lessons. Science fair related. Robots and adventure.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book that I read with my son. I enjoyed the lessons about friendship and trying new things. I liked the inventions and the conflict they created.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

#science #invention #robots #friendship #family #fear #environmentalism #scaretactics