The Science of Boys

by Emily Seo, Gracey Zhang (Illustrator)

Twelve-year-old science nerd Emma Sakamoto wants to reinvent herself when she starts high school. When stylish new girl Poppy asks for Emma’s help getting the attention of her crush, Cole, Emma lies and tells Poppy that she’s writing a book about the science of boys. Emma’s friend, George, offers to help Emma apply scientific principles to the mystery of getting a boyfriend. But George has an ulterior motive! Real science and enthusiasm for scientific principles are interwoven into this humorous story of friendship, family and what it means to truly belong.

Genres: Fiction, Canada, Middle Grade, Young Adult

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 30, 2022

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read The Science of Boys by Emily Seo with my two sons, and it was a fantastic experience for all of us. The story cleverly weaves together real scientific reactions with relatable social challenges, making it both educational and emotionally engaging.

My boys especially loved how the main character used science experiments as metaphors for everyday situations—like friendship troubles and misunderstandings. These moments helped them visualize and understand social dynamics in a new way. It sparked great conversations about emotions, relationships, and, of course, chemistry!

Emily Seo’s writing is thoughtful and accessible, and the blend of STEM and storytelling really resonated with us. Both boys liked the book so much that they prohibited me from reading ahead without them!

[Lee Födi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the clever and fun premise of a girl trying to navigate entry into her teenage years by analyzing boys—and relationships in general—through the lens of science. In particular, I adored the chapter titles, which are named after scientific principles.

There are a lot of issues that readers will relate to, not only in terms of peer relationships, but those of family as well. I had a soft spot for the main character Emma Sakamoto, probably due to her inability to interpret social cues (yep, that’s me!) and the difficult situations she gets herself into. There is a lot of humour and a lot of heart as well.

This is billed as YA, but you can easily put this in upper MG territory too.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read the synopsis for this one, but grabbed a copy after meeting the author.

For 12-year-old Emma, her plans for high school include having a good year. But what she actually gets is a lot of drama, new friends, friends from the past and a test of what friendship really is. Whew...sounds like alot.

This was a fun read, a little choppy at times and repetitive, but it highlights the high school drama, social media overload and the opportunity to learn some lessons that are not taught in the classroom. This is heavy on the science elements which added a little spark to the story.

An entertaining read with some wonderful illustrations by Gracey Zhang

This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

I’m a LONG way past high school but I found this story very moving, very poignant. (Obviously I have some unresolved issues 😉.) I liked some of the foreshadowing but did find a “sudden recollection” near the end a little convenient. Also at the resolution the friends’ conflict, while I’m reading and sobbing (my issues again), a cynical part of me was thinking “Really? Is this believable?”.

Recommended.

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those reads that I basically read in a sitting as it delves into the complicated life of a teen when friendships, family, your body and crushes all get so much more difficult to navigate! And with a scientific twist! Great how all the chapters are titled with scientific terms (and an explanation!).

[William Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Could not stop turning the pages . It is a wonderful window into the world of 12 yr. old science nerd and narrator Emma ; as she learns to deal with pre-teen entry into high school and acceptance in that society. This book is beautifully structured, multi-layered and resonant like a piece of music. bill

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! Emma may be one of my favourite protagonists in a while, she's got such a good energy about her and her dilemma is something a lot of teenage girls go through. There's layers to this, Seo has put so much heart into all the characters and setting and the plot threads that go throughout. I love this one, and I'm so glad to have picked it up.

[Sonja Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, relatable read, that I was instantly taken back to my tween years! I love the way the author weaves in science into both the chapter headings and story. I adore the main character, Emma, as she navigates different relationships with family, friends, peers, and, of course, boys. This clever, fast-paced book will give you all the feels! Highly recommended.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting high school is hard - even more so for Emma because her Mom left and she doesn't know when she's coming back. Emma and her best friend, Olivia, are mocked by the same two popular girls as last year. Emma knows a lot about science but even science fails her as she has to choose between being popular and being true to herself.

[Maria Marianayagam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so clever, fun, and relatable! As a mom with an engineering background, I absolutely loved the way Emily incorporated science into the chapter headings and the story plot--it was genius! I highly recommend this novel!

[Emily M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully crafted middle grade fiction book that I would highly recommend. The author intertwines science tid bits through the story organically while not taking away from the plot and character development.

[Peach For The Sky · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, and this is from someone who's still in high school, this wasn't that great of a read I didn't find it relatable although it was understandable. The science incorporation were great but the plot and characters felt dry. I read it in a day.

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read! What's unique about this middle grade book is that each chapter relates a scientific property (eg: catalyst, emulsification, thermodynamics) to a social aspect of the protagonist's life as she navigates friendships and fitting in at school. Highly recommend.

[Kinsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a fun little break from all the heavy stuff I read!

[Courtnay · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book, meant for coming of age preteen/teens. read because my friend is the author. I liked the story line and the fact its written in my hometown but I just couldn't connect to it.