Inga's Amazing Ideas

by Ann Rubino

Inga is no ordinary 11-year-old girl and it isn't just her crown of white blond hair that makes her different. Standing with the orphan children she stares ahead with a grim expression, waiting to be chosen for a mother's helper. In 1888, girls are expected to cook, sew, clean and scrub the laundry but Inga has other ideas. She'd rather solve problems than clean; improve machines than cook. But then she's adopted by Mr. Duffy to help his wife, the town pie maker. Lugging her carpet bag she trudges behind her new parents who, to her surprise, live in a blacksmith shop... filled with tools! Oh the things she could make! If only she didn't have to spend so much time peeling apples... or does she? Inga engineers her way through Floyd County Iowa as the Swedish girl who can fix things. But does she go too far? From the author of Emmet's Storm, winner of Best STEM Book, comes the second book in the Floyd County Chronicles, Inga's Amazing Ideas.

186 pages, Paperback

Published July 26, 2018

Reviews

[Ann Rubino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now listed on the Best of STEM list by National Science Teachers Association and Children's Book Council.
I love it (because I wrote it) because it pulls in American folk history and history of technology--all in a format readable and enjoyable by 11-15 year-olds. this Swedish immigrant girl turns a tiny Iowa town upside down in 1889 with her quirky but effective uses of her mechanical talent.

[Rhonda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story of resiliency in the face of many obstacles. Inga is a character that you'll find yourself cheering for again and again. This story takes STEM and shows young readers that they can do anything with a little imagination and persistence.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well...it was better than “Emmet’s Storm,” if that’s any kind of a recommendation. Go, smart science girls!