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The Matilda Effect

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The Matilda Effect by Ellie Irving

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By Ellie Irving

avg rating

25 reviews

Matilda loves science and inventing. Her heroes are Marie Curie, Leonardo da Vinci and Thomas Edison, and one day she wants to be a famous inventor herself. So when she doesn’t win the school science fair, she’s devastated – especially as the judges didn’t believe she’d come up with her entry on her own. Because she’s a girl.

When Matilda shares her woes with her Grandma Joss, she’s astonished to learn her grandma was once a scientist herself – an astrophysicist, who discovered her very own planet. Trouble is, Grandma Joss was also overlooked – her boss, Professor Smocks, stole her discovery for himself. And he’s about to be presented with a Nobel Prize.

Matilda concocts a plan. They’ll crash the award ceremony and tell everyone the truth! So begins a race against time – and against Matilda’s strict mum and dad! – on a journey through Paris, Hamburg and Stockholm, and on which they encounter a famous film star, a circus, and a wanted diamond thief…

Reviews

30 Jun 2024

I thought it was good because it had things to make and it was very descriptive. I think it would be good for all ages and all sizes! My favourite part was when they landed in the hot air balloon on top of the Eiffel Tower!

31 May 2024

Cool but planet Matilda doesn't exist

21 Aug 2023

A great read

07 Aug 2023

the matilda effect inspires me to fight for women's right

22 Aug 2022

I think that the book was awesome. I liked Matilda best. I would recommend it to someone else.

21 Aug 2022

This is a really good book! I live how it's all about girl power and inspiring girls to be scientists! But also I found Matilda's adventures fun and imaginative! I just really enjoyed the book!

01 Aug 2022

I love this book because it is full of adventure. My favourite character is Matilda because she loves inventing and is determined to get the noble prize to her grandma and not to someone who stole her idea. Can they tell everyone the truth before it's too late?

04 Aug 2021

This was a sharp, funny, fast-paced adventure for Matilda and her granny. I loved every surprising twist and turn and most of all loved Matilda’s fearlessness, relentless determination and passion for standing up for what is right and fair. We should all ‘be more Matilda’!

25 Jul 2021

Science, adventure and girl power all in one book! I loved the twists in the story and the references to real scientists and their achievements. A good read #tellingherstory

29 Oct 2020

This fun adventure story is an inspiring read for future female scientists and inventors. Great for starting a discussion about how females have not been recognised for their achievements in the past. I loved reading all of hurdles Matilda and her grandmother came across on their journey, along with the entertaining characters they met. This is definitely one for sharing in KS2.

30 Jul 2020

I really enjoyed reading this book because it showed you that women and girls can do just as well as men with determination. the book has a great adventure and in places is funny. I would recommend this book to children over the age of 5 though younger children will need help with some of the words.

28 Jul 2020

This is an amazing book I got from the library before lockdown and my fav bit is when she changes the lyrics to Waterloo by ABBA

27 Jul 2020

It was fictional, very funny, wholesome and inspirational. After every page I wanted to turn over. I would definitely recommend it.

Sophie. Hughes

15 Jul 2020

I really enjoyed this book it was about Matilda and Granny Joss and they went on a thrilling adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes adventure books.

06 Jul 2020

amazing

27 Jun 2020

I find it so funny like what could be more funny the an old lady in a laundry basket and your mum and dad, loves having a nice and tidy and clean car, driving in a van that looks like a dog.

11 Jun 2020

It was very adventurous and interesting

22 Jul 2019

I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book and my faviroute character was Matilda and her granny . I would recommend it to every one who likes reading.

Amazing!!!

12 Aug 2018

sciency

31 Aug 2017

this book was not brilliant and rather boring. i did not enjoy this book as much as the other so i don't have much to say about it and thats why i rate this book
2 OUT OUT OF 5!

30 Aug 2017

i absoutly loved this book how matilda wanted to help her granny

29 Aug 2017

Good book

22 Aug 2017

I loved this book! It's really good.
The story is about a girl called Matilda, who, because she is a girl, does not get picked for a science competition. One day she finds out that her granny Joss discovered a planet but one of her work colleagues stole all her work. The story follows Matilda and Granny Joss to the Nobel Prize ceremony.

07 Aug 2017

Amazing science book

03 Aug 2017

I think other children should read this book as it is full of adventure, it has lots of invention ideas, and shows what can really happen if you put your mind to it

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