What This Book Is About
Violet and Pablo are best friends, but they couldn't be more different. Violet is cautious and methodical; Pablo is fearless and spontaneous. When a mysterious door in the school hallway leads them into the Maker Maze—a magical science laboratory where anything is possible—they must work together to solve hands-on STEM challenges before time runs out. The catch? If they fail a challenge, they get sent back to the beginning. And their different approaches to problem-solving keep clashing.
Written by neuroscientist Dr. Theanne Griffith, The Magnificent Makers is a chapter book series that weaves real science concepts into exciting adventures. In this first book, kids learn about the scientific method, hypothesis testing, and teamwork—all through a story that reads like a game show crossed with a science lab. With lively illustrations by Reggie Brown and a diverse cast of characters, the series shows children that science is creative, collaborative, and for everyone.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A1-level readers (Grade 2), The Magnificent Makers stands out for three reasons.
First, it bridges reading and science. International school curricula increasingly emphasize STEM, and this book introduces the scientific method in a way that feels like play, not study. Children absorb concepts like hypothesis, observation, and testing without realizing they're learning.
Second, the story celebrates different thinking styles. Violet's careful planning and Pablo's bold experimentation are both shown as valuable—a message that resonates in UWC's collaborative, diversity-focused classrooms where every child's strengths matter.
Third, the author is a real scientist. Knowing that Dr. Griffith is a neuroscientist at UC Davis gives the book an authenticity that inspires children to see themselves as future scientists and makers, regardless of their background.
Reading Level Guide
Building reading foundations? Start with picture books and read-alouds first.
Perfect difficulty. Simple sentences with science vocabulary introduced through context and illustrations.
A comfortable, breezy read. Enjoy the science puzzles without any language barriers.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.