Review of We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen

We Are All Made of Molecules

I adore Susin Nielsen’s books–she is one of our best, funniest YA writers. Her 2008 book WORD NERD is delightful, and 2012’s The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the Governor General’s Award. Her latest offering, We are all made of Molecules, is a real treat.

As in her previous books, in We are all made of Molecules, Nielsen takes on a number of timely and weighty topics (homophobia, bullying, cellphone pics, death of a parent) by creating a cast of compelling characters and treating the characters with warmth and humour. It might sound like an overwhelmingly dark set of “serious topics,” but Nielsen treats everything with just the perfect touch. Stewart’s dad and Ashley’s mom have just moved in with each other. Stewart is academically bright and socially awkward; Ashley is the most popular girl in school and wants nothing to do with Stewart. Their lives begin to overlap in unexpected ways as they face the challenges of high school.

Chapters alternate between Stewart and Ashley’s perspectives. I fell in love with Stewart immediately (so sweet and so clueless!) but took longer to warm up to Ashley–I wasn’t sure if her popular-perfect-girl voice was working, but before too long I began to understand her voice a bit more.

An excellent book for YA readers, with some crossover potential for adult readers as well (think John Green, Rainbow Rowell).

Reviewed by: Kelsey Attard