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Ellie Ment and the Material Matter

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Ellie Ment and the Material Matter

By: Bertie Stephens, Lil Chase - editor, Stanley Johnson - foreword
Narrated by: Jennifer Saunders
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About this listen

Ellie doesn’t believe in magic. She believes in science.

But when her school burns down in roaring purple flames, her favourite teacher gives her mysterious Elemental Bracers, and she’s invited to join a secret society of the world’s smartest minds, Ellie realises not everything has a logical explanation…Packed with adventure, humour, and just a bit of chaos, Ellie Ment and the Material Matter is where chemistry meets courage, physics bends reality, and curiosity might just save the world.

Narrated by JENNIFER SAUNDERS — the iconic star of Absolutely Fabulous, French & Saunders, Death on the Nile, and Shrek 2.

Why Everyone Should Listen to ELLIE MENT AND THE MATERIAL MATTER:

  • STEM Adventure: Introduces children to real scientific concepts (elements, compounds, chemical reactions, quantum superposition) through thrilling, accessible storytelling.
  • Youth Empowerment: Ellie symbolises the next generation challenging the old way of doing things. The story explores the frustration and hope young people experience when confronting adult compromise.
  • The Environment: Tackles real-world issues like microplastic pollution, unsustainable industry practices, and the importance of circularity.
  • Friendship and Teamwork: Ellie and Michael's friendship highlights the importance of diverse talents—science and art, logic and creativity—working together toward a bigger goal. There isn’t just one type of ‘smart’.
  • Courage and Curiosity: The bravery to ask questions, experiment, and stand up for what’s right underpins Ellie’s journey.
©2025 The Clean Planet Foundation (P)2025 The Clean Planet Foundation Growing Up & Facts of Life Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy
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I really liked Ellie Ment and the Material Matter. It’s a fun, fast-moving story that mixes science with adventure in a way that never feels boring. Ellie is a smart, curious main character, and I liked how she solves problems by thinking things through rather than using magic like in many other books.

The science parts are explained clearly and actually made me interested, even when I didn’t know much about the subject. I liked the way the book shows that science can be exciting and creative, not just something you learn in school. The story also has plenty of mystery and humour, too, which kept me wanting to find out what would happen next.

The characters are easy to like, and Ellie feels very relatable, especially if you’ve ever felt different or passionate about learning. There is also a strong message about caring for the world, asking questions, and believing in yourself, which comes across natural and without feeling forced.

Overall, it’s an entertaining and educational story that both kids and adults can enjoy. It’s the kind of book that makes you curious and leaves you thinking even after you’ve finished it, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure with a smart twist.

Where Science Meets Adventure

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Ellie Ment and the Material Matter is a thrilling STEM-based adventure where science meets imagination. From the very first page, it grabbed me. Ellie, an eleven-year-old self-proclaimed scientist, witnesses her school burn in furious purple flames and become determined to uncover the mystery. Her curiosity, determination, and bold personality make her a character you can't help but root for. The story perfectly blends scientific concepts with magical twists. This keeps readers engaged while promoting critical thinking and curiosity. This book is not only entertaining but also educational, making it a fantastic read for science lovers, adventure fans, and even teachers looking for fun ways to inspire students. I also love the cover design - even the title sparks curiosity! This is a smart, imaginative, and empowering read that stays with you long after the last page. A confident 5/5 - highly recommended!

A fun, Quirky STEM Adventure for Future Scientists

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Disclaimer: I received compensation for reviewing this book, but this review reflects my honest opinion.

Ellie Ment and the Material Matter by Bertie Stephens is a middle-grade science mystery about an 11-year-old girl who believes that everything should have an explanation. She feels that science offers the most accurate explanations; therefore, she loves science. In the book, Ellie seeks an explanation for the burning of her new school. While the explanation remains elusive, Ellie practices science in a whole new way, using elemental bracers given to her by her favorite teacher.

The main character, Ellie, struggles with many of the same weaknesses as the intended reader: jealousy, self-centeredness, impetuosity, and thoughtlessness. Her behavior does not really improve throughout the book, although she does make an effort to improve her fractured relationship with her best friend, Michael. Insights into Ellie’s character and motivation are provided by the third-person narrator, who frequently chimes in on the story.

Ellie’s adventures in the story teach about loyalty and environmental responsibility. When Ellie was taken to a detention that didn’t seem right, Michael’s loyalty reminded me that a loyal friend is there for you even when the friendship is strained. Ellie’s passion for the environment is shown in her concern about littering, plastic pollution, and the unusual algae overgrowth. Ellie also cares about using her gift, science, to do the most good regardless of the cost.

This is a great story to demonstrate how science helps identify problems and provide solutions in everyday life. Ellie uses her scientific knowledge to identify many of the problems facing the town of Hapsie. She uses scientific skills like observation, hypotheses, and experimentation. Ellie also uses her extensive scientific knowledge to find solutions that she can do while practicing with her elemental bracers. As it is with science, some work and some do not. The characters and the narrator provide detailed scientific explanations throughout the story, making it accessible to both those who love science and those who don’t. The mystery is ultimately solved using science clues Ellie gathers throughout her adventures in her town. I had forgotten, actually, that she had been trying to solve this mystery. It is mentioned at the beginning, but only resurfaces in the latter five chapters. The secondary story of the elemental bracers and the secret society seems more prominent than the mystery.

I did not care for how the children regarded parental authority at all. It is mentioned numerous times that Ellie sneaks out at night and once during the day. I felt that the narrator portrayed it as permissible in general, but only naughty when the parents would know that she had snuck out. Both Michael and Ellie are shown lying to their parents as well.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. It is the kind of living book that makes science fun and relevant to children. I think it would be a good book for families to listen to together and discuss.

A fun and relevant science mystery

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