Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book; opinions shared are mine. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn commission.

When I was in college, well before DIY was trendy, my suitemate was a handy type of girl. She loved to assemble bookshelves and put together lofts. We all thought her skills were amazing.  I’ve never been able to identify screwdriver types, so my talents were better used elsewhere.  The book Ellie Engineer is a purpose driven chapter book that celebrates creativity and experimentation.

I appreciated the way that author Jackson Pearce includes characters with many interests.  Additionally, positive friendships are emphasized in Ellie Engineer.  Pearce empowers her characters with the courage to try new things and stand up for themselves.  Ellie uses her DIY powers for good by helping others, while not being too much of a goody two shoes (she does pelt the neighbor boys with water balloons.)  Check the book for the helpful section that illustrates Ellie’s favorite tools.  Things like hammers are drawn with directions given for use.  The book format is interesting and encourages readers to think about project planning, revising ideas, and finish products.

This would be a fun gift idea for a 3rd or 4th grade girl. Pair it with a tool kit or a simple project kit.

One lucky winner will receive a copy of Ellie, Engineer and a custom DIY Ellie-branded toolbox, designed to be easily assembled Ellie-style! US only, ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law.

Thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for giving me a copy of the book.