Allora and the Puzzles of Archimedes: Fairy Tale Physics

by Sarah Allen, Marie Delwart (Illustrator)

When memorizing endless lists isn't enough to solve real problems, one apprentice wizard discovers that understanding simple machines and physics principles can literally save the world.

Being the apprentice to the famous mathematical wizard Leibniz is not going how Allora hoped. She wants to solve real-world problems and make the world better, but instead she's stuck memorizing boring facts about beetle wings.

When the Shades of Chaos threaten the kingdom and a dragon's egg gets knocked from its nest, Allora finds herself the village's only hope. She must return the massive egg before the dragon comes back—or it will burn down the village searching for it.

Real-world physics problems are much harder than Allora expected. Her first attempt goes disastrously wrong, accidentally removing all friction and turning the world into a frictionless skating rink where no one can stand, walk, or even hold objects.

Fortunately, there's one brilliant wizard Archimedes. He's covered in mathematical scribbles and obsessed with puzzles, but he understands something crucial—complex problems can be solved by mastering simple principles like mechanical advantage, levers, and pulleys.

Through hands-on experimentation and accessible explanations (no prior physics knowledge required), Allora learns that understanding how forces work is the key to moving impossibly heavy objects. More importantly, she discovers that making mistakes and even making things worse is often part of solving any worthwhile problem.

Perfect for ages 10-12, this story transforms abstract physics concepts into an engaging adventure that shows young readers how scientific thinking and simple machines can tackle seemingly impossible challenges—while making learning fun rather than intimidating.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

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Reviews

[Nana 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am crazy about physics, and someone gave me one of Sarah Allen’s books. I was hooked right away. It’s hard to find books about physics when you’re not even in high school yet, but these books help you learn about physics and they’re also just good stories. I’d read them even if I wasn’t into physics.

Physics is all about how the world works. For example, in Allora’s story, she takes away friction and it’s mind blowing to see the world is so different if something disappears that we take for granted: “Without friction everything in the world had become incredibly slippery. No one could stand because they immediately slipped and fell over. It was like everything had been coated in extremely slippery oil.” (page 31).

I love the main character, Allora. I liked Allora in Newton's Laws: A Fairy Tale because she was funny and when I saw her in this book, I thought, “Oh look! More happened to her!”

This book is a great introduction to friction and levers and other Archimedean tools.

I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

~~13-year-old girl who enjoys learning about Physics. She has read each of Ms. Allen’s books at least twice.

[Martina Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, I was eager to read Allora and the Puzzles of Archimedes: Fairy Tale Physics. Sarah Allen is a gifted storyteller and these are such a fun read, regardless of the deeper meanings. But, indeed, that's where the magic happens because we learn about physics and friction and all sorts of things through the adventures of Allora and those she encounters. I'll be sharing this with my 10yo grandson who loves math and will find this a fun way to learn about physics. Great for curious children (and adults!).
I was gifted a free copy of this book and am writing this review of my own volition.