Walter Bright's Brilliant Blue Candy
Walter Bright's Brilliant Blue Candy
A Sweet-Science Adventure for Grades 3-5
When beloved science teacher Walter Bright learns that Maple Ridge Elementary is slashing funds for every after-school club, he panics-then experiments. A late-night kitchen mishap turns fresh blueberries and baking soda into crackling Fizz-Bits, dazzling blue crystals that pop on your tongue. With help from his energetic former student Jessie Pinkston-and a rickety white-and-turquoise "Candy Camper" converted into a mobile lab-Walter launches a secret mission: sell enough candy to save Science Club (and Robotics, Gardening, Art...).
The plan explodes sweeter than syrup: farmers-market crowds, viral videos, and donations that rocket toward their goal. But success draws the icy gaze of confectionery mogul Gus Greenwood, who wants Walter's formula for himself. First comes a too-good partnership offer, then outright sabotage, and finally a cease-and-desist letter claiming Walter's candy infringes Greenwood's trademark.
Rather than fight in court-or quit-Walter and Jessie invent Spectrum Shards, an "open-source" rainbow line of fizzy rock candy whose recipe every school can use for fundraising and STEM lessons. A county-wide Candy-Chemistry Day turns classrooms into micro-factories, kids into junior scientists, and community members into proud investors in knowledge. Even a small fire in the Candy Camper-and Greenwood's legal scare tactics-can't dim their sparkle.
In the climactic school-board meeting, students present data, donations, and the Candy-Commons Charter, earning unanimous votes (and Gus's reluctant respect) to fund every club for years. The Spectrum Shuttle-refurbished from that once-rickety camper-now tours libraries and festivals, spreading edible science and the message that knowledge community integrity = endless sparkle.
Why Young Readers & Grown-Ups Love It
STEM-Driven Plot - Real chemistry concepts (supersaturation, pH, nucleation) woven into an action-packed narrative.
Positive Role Models - A caring teacher, a resourceful teen, and students who solve problems ethically.
Entrepreneurship with Heart - Shows how innovation and open sharing can outshine greed.
Subtle Parent-Only Winks - A playful nod to Breaking Bad that kids won't notice but adults will enjoy.
Illustration-Ready Scenes - Retro camper labs, rainbow candy sheets, and fairground showdowns beg to be pictured.
Perfect for independent readers in grades 3-5, family read-alouds, and classroom libraries, Walter Bright's Brilliant Blue Candy proves that the sweetest victories come from sharing your recipe for success.
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