I was in the mood for a science fiction story and this book caught my eye. At first, it kept my attention quite well but once I passed the halfway mark I started losing interest. While the science fiction element was there, I hoped that it would be a little more futuristic. For young readers, this might be an interesting read but as an adult who has read some complicated science fiction novels, this was just okay.

A wondeful and adventorous journey following a strong girl and her AI companion as they work through issues and figure out how to get along at her new school. It gives me Nancy Drew energy! I loved it. I already recommended it to one of my students.

Putney Hicks just wants things to go right for once. A socially awkward girl dropped among rich kids in an experimental STEM institution, the anxious twelve-year-old can’t seem to see her own potential.

Well done middle-grade/young YA novel. Don't name your kid Putney, though.

I'm so excited about this spellbinding book! Putney Hicks is set down in a situation that is real life. We all, young,old,male and female can relate to her story. I highly recommend you read this one. A true delight! The story is awesome, characters are well developed and you're going to really enjoy this book. Thanks #Netgalley and #BooksGoSocial for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Marsha Tufft for the opportunity to read The Secret of the Magic eyePad in exchange for an honest review.

The Secret of the Magic eyePad is the first novel in the Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures series, teasing a little bit of her next adventure at the end of the novel.

In a middle grade adventure, Putney is a girl who loves are and science. One day she receives a gift from a former teacher, and eyePad, she calls it, as it has an icon of an eye in the middle. Her eyePad seems to be of some sort of artificial intelligence, helping Putney develop her ideas.

Being at a STEM school, the classes are full of friendly competition, but one girl really has Putney running for her money. Putney won't allow herself to be put down. She just hopes the advice from her new artificial friend will be helpful and not harmful.

With fun illustrations and inventions throughout, this novel is a really fun adventure of a read for lovers of STEM and girls exploring STEM.

This was a strong start to the Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures series, it had everything that I was looking for from the description. The characters were really well written and felt like they belonged in the world. I enjoyed the way Marsha Tufft wrote this and it left me wanting to read more in this series. It had a great mystery to it and had enjoyed the STEM elements.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 rounded up to 4/5

Marsha Tufft's "The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures-Book 1" takes readers on a charming journey into the world of a socially awkward twelve-year-old with dreams of becoming an inventor. Set against the backdrop of an experimental STEM institution, the story unfolds with the promise of a cute middle-grade adventure that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The protagonist, Putney Hicks, finds herself navigating the challenges of middle school life among affluent peers. Her anxieties are compounded when she receives a mysterious tablet containing an advanced, talkative intelligence. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a tale of self-discovery and exploration of Putney's untapped potential.

One of the book's strengths lies in its focus on STEM subjects, offering young readers an engaging way to connect with science and technology. The setting, described as an experimental STEM institution, allows for numerous opportunities for Putney to interact with nature, adding a delightful layer to the narrative.

However, the novel does have its shortcomings. The promised prominence of the "Magic eyePad" in the title seems somewhat misleading, as its role in the story appears to be less central than expected. While the tablet is a catalyst for Putney's adventures, its significance takes a backseat to the interpersonal conflicts she faces, primarily with a wealthy mean girl.

The lack of a strong overarching conflict is another drawback. The narrative seems to be a collection of subplots rather than a cohesive storyline. Putney's challenges with her classmates, particularly the ill-advised bet with the mean girl, become the primary focus, overshadowing the potential for a more profound exploration of the eyePad's capabilities and the development of Putney's inventive skills.

Despite these shortcomings, "The Secret of the Magic eyePad" remains an enjoyable read for its target audience. The characters are endearing, and the emphasis on STEM subjects provides educational value. Tufft's writing style is accessible and suitable for young readers, making it a promising start to the Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures series.

What worked:
The focus on STEM allows the book to be instructive and educational too. Actually, Putney’s new school is piloting STEAM where art is incorporated with the other areas of study. Her family has just moved from Alaska to Hilton Head, South Carolina, so the setting provides many opportunities to enjoy nature. The story opens with Putney adding to her live butterfly collection as she studies their metamorphosis from caterpillars to chrysalis, to butterflies. Her school is introducing underwater hockey which the book says is growing in popularity around the world. Putney’s first school assignment is to design a new sit-upon that will be used while they’re making sketches around the beach. The book uses the activity to explain a process for rapid prototypes by describing the steps and including drawings.
The plot often focuses on the conflict between Putney and a rich, snobby girl named Sue Wexford. Sue donates clothes to Goodwill and she notices Putney is wearing some of her old capris. Sue immediately targets Putney as being below her social status and makes it her mission to prove her superiority. However, Putney has aspirations to become an artist or architect so she possesses a great deal of creativity and technical knowledge. Being in the STEAM environment inspires her to come up with innovative ideas in the sit-upon contest that prove to challenge Sue’s concepts. Sue proves to be a deceitful, conniving character and her underhanded strategies pit her as the story’s villain.
The role of the eyePad pixie named Sam isn’t as prominent as expected but that’s okay in a story about STEM education. Sam is comparable to a 3-D holographic image of Siri or Alexa, that no one else can see, that can perform all of the functions of a computerized virtual assistant. Sam offers advice and research but Putney is the one with ideas and plans. Sam sometimes acts as a moral compass and questions Putney about her decisions. An intriguing twist is that Sam can create materials from nothing but it uses up magical power being used for her to exist. Using this ability may become a countdown to Sam’s demise somewhere in the series. Additional trouble arises when Sue spots Putney’s eyePad.
What didn’t work as well:
The book doesn’t develop much of a conflict other than Putney’s problems with Sue Wexford. Putney feels a need to beat the girl in the sit-upon competition while Sue is determined to get the better of Putney. The book’s overall feel is like a collection of subplots but it doesn’t generate much drama and tension. The conflict involving Sue and the eyePad doesn’t grow into a suspenseful issue so it’s a missed opportunity.
The final verdict:
The focus on STEM, or STEAM, is a fresh approach to a middle-grade novel and the author takes the time to explain innovations and creativity. The lack of suspense may not excite some readers and they may tire of the informative aspect in some parts of the book. Overall, this book is a fun read about creativity and friends and I recommend you give it a shot.

This is a very cool book it makes me want a magic iPad that can do secret stuff I will let other know about it too thank you for sharing it so I can read it

I really appreciated what Tufft was trying to do in writing a book for girls who love science, highlighting Putney's cleverness as she approaches her different inventions. Putney is a great role model for middle grader readers, and I could see some budding young scientists enjoying her adventures.

But I don't think this book will work for most readers (especially in the Teen/YA category) because it just doesn't feel realistic. This isn't how teens talk, and most of them would not be interested in long descriptions of Putney working to complete her homework. It also seemed like the Magic eyePad was incidental to the story: it makes a few appearances, but really, Putney does most of the work herself (which is a good thing for a book meant to encourage young scientists but feels a little misleading based on the title and description).

This is a really fun book for readers around seven and up. I found the book so much fun, and it reminded me of books I enjoyed at that age. Putney Hicks is moving community and school, and just wants to fit in. Her previous teacher sends her a big present, from this book we don’t know why. But this present will change her life in so many positive ways. The author is an engineer, and she has created Putney as a STEM ambassador not just for girls, but boys too. Putney uses problem solving skills to design and improve her school work projects. This a standalone book, but there are more books in the series. Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.