We Are All Made of Molecules

an Nielsen’s “We Are All Made Of Molecules” is an intense read especially for those sensitive to topics closely related to bullying and abuse. This critic comes from the fact that the title mainly focuses on close interactions, loss and how they take time to work on themselves. Stewart and Ashley, both very different but very alike, share the role as protagonists in the book. Once complete strangers, but through long fights, and enduring events, they are now proud siblings. They share the same story, through different activities, as complete opposites, the journey resides in their decisions. Stewart, an academically gifted student and a child mourning the loss of his mother, planned to move to his step sister Ashley’s house and school. On the other hand, Ashley, a socially active and frequently shallow girl, starts to face bigger challenges when her dad comes out of the closet. The effort that they both put into their lives is relatable and compelling towards themselves and audiences with the same challenges.
One of the strongest positives in this novel is the ability to ease into heavier topics, indirectly causing us to see past the emotional struggles characters face, balancing the book from becoming too grave. This book captures the lows of adolescence while still keeping readers engaged with its sharp turns for instance, when Jared had committed assault in page 169. Though the narratives of Stewart and Ashley twist the story very unexpectedly, these plot twists are one of the few things that give the crowd a surprise. Without plot twists, heavy topics, and close connections to the readers, this book wouldn't be an eye catcher nor something I would recommend for other teens. Nevertheless, the book has deep connections to teens, by having well written characters that correlate to the highs and lows of teenage life, for example how Stewart stood up to Jared after getting bullied the whole school year. However, the pacing is at times uneven, particularly in the middle of the book when the plot had slowed down, and in the final chapters when it had completely sped up.
Despite the perfect balance in the mood of the book and resonance to adolescents, the novel isn’t flawless. The plot is often easily predictable, especially to older readers, and some of the problems are resolved too simply. Some readers might also find the characters in the book stereotypical, take Ashley for example, many girls might disagree with the author’s way of displaying her personality. Regardless, “We Are All Made Of Molecules” is a completely honest book with events that deeply correlate to my life, in my opinion. Overall, I rate this book a solid 7 out of 10, due to the simple plot and uneven pacing.

I really enjoyed this book but found the final section an uncomfortable read due to the character being in a vulnerable position. Therefore this book would be more suited to KS3 rather than KS2 reader

It’s quite a good book and I would recommend it to people around the age of 13, it is inappropriate for younger children as it contains swear words, violent actions and inappropriate behaviour.

A great book

I finished this book in a day. I loved the relationships between Steward and all of the other characters in the book, how inspite of his 'social awkwardness' he was such a charming character that won over the others so easily.
The thread of the story, particularly that of split families, was engaging and I could see it appealing to many teenagers.
Themes running throughout the book on bullying, toxic relationships and controlling boyfriends were tackled in a brilliant and sensitive way.

It was quite nice and I liked a girl called Ashley the best.

This is the first young adult book I have read and I really, really enjoyed it.

It tells the story of Stewart and Ashley whose lives become unwillingly entwined through their parents’ decision to move in together. Stewart is geeky and gifted, whilst Ashley is popular and cool. Stewart’s mum has died and he misses her enormously, whilst Ashley’s dad has come out and left the family home. Neither character is finding the new family set up easy to come to terms with but they eventually find common ground through encounters with the school hunk, Jared.

This book explores tricky issues such as dealing with the loss of a parent, homophobia, bullying and separation but does so in a way that is both witty and heartwarming. It also highlights the power of love, family and friendship.

I’m so glad I chose this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I really enjoyed this book - I’ve wanted to read it for a while and was not disappointed. I love the humour and the way the characters grow and change over the course of the novel. It’s written from two different perspectives and I would highly recommend.

This book is happy and sad in equal measures. It is a sensitive and compulsive read.

I would really recommend Susin Nielsen as a author. Her books are off the chart

This book is about a boy called Stewart and a girl called Ashley and they are very different. It is about there journey through moving in together because of their parents. I didn't want to stop reading it. My favourite character is Stewart.

I liked how it was written by more than one person and i liked the story line.

I would definitely recommend this book...

It’s is all about being different and how both kids are scared to tell other people about what is happening because of what they believe they will think about them.

gReat

Weird but cool!

fabulous
about family
written from 2 view points
for 12+

Susan Nielsen is a great author, this book is really great, great overall 5 stars.

The story focuses on two main protagonists; Stewart and Ashley. Despite missing his mother, he decides to make a new life with Ashley when he and his dad move into her house. Ashley doesn't like Steward for his nerdy personality, but things turn even more complicating when a school mate, Jared, entered into their lives.
I LOVE this book to death because it teaches us about how making the wrong impressions create bad consequences. I like how the book is focused on two characters because we really have the gist on how they are feeling in their lives over the course of the story and, in turn, you can be able to see what goes on inside their heads in details. You see, when you come across someone, you don't really entirely know what's going on in their heads. We also learn that if we all put aside all of our differences, we can work together to solve problems in the world, no matter how big or small the problem might be.
One thing, I think is worth having in addition to the BEST read I have ever had the pleasure to endure, would be having a sequel. I really would like to know what the future holds for every character in the book; I'd like to see Steward and Ashley go their separate ways when they go off to college or a job; I also would like to know more about Jared's character, like why he became what he ended up being. (I'm not spoiling a thing, I swear!)