The Antidotes: Pollution Solution by Patty Mechael
What's It About?
A lively science adventure featuring an exceptional group of diverse and conscientious middle schoolers who want to save the world from another global pandemic.Everyone wants to make a difference in the world, but a lot of people feel they are too small to leave much of an impact. Children, however, love to dream big. They have no fear of failure and believe they can make a difference.
That’s exactly what Gir and Izi do when faced with another potential global pandemic in Patty Mechael’s debut children’s novel, The Antidotes: Pollution Solution (Bold Story Press). In this riveting first installment of her new series, Mechael encourages children to pursue STEM issues through a lively science adventure featuring an exceptional group of conscientious middle schoolers who want to make the world a better place.
The Problem with Plastic
After finally returning to school after a years-long pandemic, a group of science-enthused fifth graders realize the water off the Chesapeake Bay is contaminated and making the fish sick. What’s worse, the hospitals are filling up with sick children, and no one knows what to do. They quickly learn the cause of the contamination is a nasty plastic-eating bacteria dumped into the bay by a big corporation — which means the more plastic is dumped, the more the nasty bacteria spreads and makes people sick.
Alternating between the perspectives of Gir and Izi, the students try to solve the problem before another global crisis is unleashed. Gir, Izi and their friends form a group called The Antidotes and are determined to do something to stop the spread of this sickness. They set out to warn kids around the world, encouraging them to reduce their plastic consumption and teaching them how to stay safe and healthy.
But will their efforts be enough?
Realistic, Informative & Fun
Mechael’s characters are diverse and unique, representing all sorts of children — from the computer expert to the theater fanatic to the bully. Their interactions with one another feel real, and the realistic portrayal of their sometimes-shaky, newfound friendships is refreshing. (The development of the “bully” character, Suzie, is especially fun to watch.)
As a children’s novel, the text is nicely broken up at times with various blocks and graphics, making it an easier and more enjoyable read.
The text messages throughout many chapters give the book a light-hearted feel, and the small segments dedicated to the other Antidotes members add some depth to their characters. The illustrations interspersed throughout the book are simple black-and-white graphics packed with informative facts and figures that will capture readers’ attention.
Something to Think About
By the end, I think many readers will find themselves questioning their own plastic consumption — I know I have! Now, I often find myself wondering what I can buy at the grocery store that isn’t wrapped in plastic and find myself making more conscientious decisions. Mechael even offers some simple solutions at the end of the book for children to try at home.
The Antidotes encourages children not only to pursue STEM issues, but also empathize with and care for one another — whether it’s trying to better understand a hostile classmate, cheering on a friend’s secret dreams, or helping strangers find peace and safety. Readers will surely walk away inspired to try and make the world a better place.
About Patty Mechael:
Dr. Patricia (Patty) Mechael is a mom, writer, and public health specialist whose writing combines her passions for technology and science with a desire to inspire children. Patty has wrestled with difficult public health and societal issues, including the environment, responsible technology and AI, pandemic preparedness, and mental health. Patty holds a PhD in Public Health and Policy from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Master of Health Science in International Health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
