Molecules and Missing Pieces

Stewart, a brilliant but socially awkward thirteen-year-old, is still reeling from his mother's death. He and his father, Leonard, are about to move in with Leonard's new partner, Caroline, and her daughter, Ashley. Stewart's world is defined by loss, hope, and the scientific certainty that everything—including people—is made of molecules, always shifting and recombining. He clings to memories of his mother, finding comfort in her belongings and the belief that her molecules linger around him. The move is both a step forward and a painful reminder of what's missing.

FUBAR Families Collide

Ashley, fourteen, is furious about her parents' divorce and her father Phil's coming out as gay. She resents Stewart and Leonard moving in, feeling her once-perfect life is now "FUBAR" (beyond all recognition). Ashley's anger is compounded by her mother's new relationship and the proximity of her father, who now lives in the backyard laneway house. Both Stewart and Ashley are forced into a new family structure neither wanted, each struggling with their own grief, shame, and resistance to change.

The Unwanted Quadrangle

Stewart is excited at the prospect of having a sister, but Ashley wants nothing to do with him. Their first interactions are awkward and hostile, with Stewart's earnestness clashing with Ashley's sarcasm and social defensiveness. The new household is a battleground of habits, memories, and territory, as each tries to assert their place and identity. The adults attempt to smooth things over, but the kids' resentment simmers beneath the surface.

New House, Old Grudges

Stewart and his father bring only a few precious items from their old home, trying to blend their past with Caroline and Ashley's minimalist, modern house. Stewart's mother's presence lingers in the form of cherished objects, but Ashley sees them as intrusions. Both kids feel displaced—Stewart by the loss of his mother and home, Ashley by the invasion of her space and the loss of her family's "perfection." Their mutual discomfort is palpable, and small acts of sabotage and misunderstanding abound.

School of Social Survival

Stewart transfers to Ashley's high school, determined to work on his "ungifted" social skills. He faces the daunting world of teenage cliques, bullies, and the mysterious rules of popularity. Ashley, meanwhile, is at the top of the social ladder but feels threatened by Stewart's presence and the potential exposure of her family's secrets. Both are outsiders in their own ways, struggling to fit in and avoid humiliation.

The Social Ladder Wobbles

Ashley's best friend Lauren is both ally and rival, and their relationship is fraught with competition and subtle cruelty. Stewart tries to make friends, joining Mathletes and attempting to connect with classmates like Phoebe and Violet. Ashley's social standing is threatened by rumors, her father's sexuality, and Stewart's awkwardness. The fragile alliances and betrayals of high school life play out, with both siblings feeling increasingly isolated.

The Jared Conundrum

Jared, the school's charismatic but dangerous new student, becomes a central figure in both Stewart and Ashley's lives. He bullies Stewart in gym class and manipulates Ashley with charm and attention. Stewart is forced to navigate Jared's threats and humiliation, while Ashley is drawn to Jared's status and apparent interest in her, blind to his darker side. The tension escalates as Jared's true nature is revealed through his actions and words.

Figurines and Fault Lines

Stewart's mother's figurines become a symbol of the ongoing battle for space and respect in the new household. When some go missing, Stewart suspects Ashley, but the truth is more complicated. The figurines represent the fragile connections to the past and the ways in which grief and resentment can manifest in petty acts. The fault lines in the family widen, with trust eroding and old wounds reopening.

Mascot Mayhem

Stewart becomes the school mascot, a role that brings him unexpected visibility and a sense of belonging. His earnestness and humor win over some classmates, but also make him a target. A halftime performance becomes a moment of triumph and vulnerability, as Stewart channels his mother's advice to stand up for himself and others. The experience is bittersweet, highlighting both his progress and the persistent challenges he faces.

Betrayals and Revelations

Ashley's relationship with Jared takes a dark turn, exposing her to manipulation and near-assault. Stewart overhears Jared's cruel words and is forced to decide whether to intervene. The truth about Jared's past violence and homophobia comes to light, shattering Ashley's illusions and forcing her to confront her own complicity in maintaining appearances over integrity. The siblings' relationship shifts as they begin to see each other's vulnerabilities.

Party Out of Control

A New Year's Eve party at the house spirals out of control when Ashley, seeking validation and escape, allows Jared and his friends to take over. The party becomes a scene of underage drinking, property damage, and near-disaster as Jared attempts to exploit Ashley while she is unconscious. Stewart, witnessing the danger, takes decisive action to protect his stepsister, calling the police and destroying evidence that could have ruined her reputation.

Aftermath and Accountability

The fallout from the party is severe: the house is trashed, valuable items are stolen, and Stewart's beloved cat, Schrödinger, goes missing. The adults argue over blame, and both Stewart and Ashley are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. The police become involved, and the family is further shaken when Phil's laneway house is vandalized with a homophobic slur. The siblings' pain and guilt are compounded by the realization that their actions have hurt not just themselves, but those around them.

Searching for Schrödinger

Stewart is devastated by the disappearance of Schrödinger, his last tangible connection to his mother. The search for the cat becomes a metaphor for the search for belonging and healing in the fractured family. Ashley, feeling remorseful and changed by recent events, joins the search, and together with Phil, they eventually find Schrödinger alive. The reunion is a moment of grace and forgiveness, signaling the possibility of new beginnings.

Facing the Fallout

Returning to school, Stewart faces suspension for retaliating against Jared, while Ashley is ostracized by her former friends. Both are forced to reckon with the consequences of their choices and the reality of their social standing. Ashley, inspired by Stewart's courage and the support of new friends, begins to see the value in standing up for what's right, even at personal cost.

Protection Squads Unite

Ashley, with help from Stewart and their friends, organizes "protection squads" at school—groups of students who support and defend those targeted by bullies like Jared. The initiative grows, bringing together students from different backgrounds and social circles. The squads become a symbol of collective action and the power of small acts to create meaningful change. Stewart and Ashley, once adversaries, now work together for the good of others.

Redefining Family

The family begins to heal, finding new ways to honor the past while embracing the present. Stewart's mother's memory is integrated into the household, and the adults learn to compromise and support each other. Ashley and Stewart develop a genuine, if imperfect, sibling bond, rooted in mutual respect and shared experience. The family's structure is no longer defined by loss or resentment, but by the connections they choose to nurture.

Small Acts, Big Changes

Stewart and Ashley both find new confidence and purpose, using their experiences to help others. Stewart's relationship with Phoebe blossoms, and Ashley discovers the satisfaction of using her talents for good. The school community is transformed by the protection squads, and even former adversaries begin to change. The siblings learn that small acts of kindness and courage can ripple outward, creating a better world for everyone.

We Are All Molecules

The story ends with the recognition that, like molecules, people are constantly changing, combining, and influencing each other. Stewart and Ashley, once isolated by grief and anger, now see themselves as part of a larger whole—family, friends, and community. The title's message resonates: everyone is made of molecules, and everyone matters. Through pain and struggle, the characters find hope, connection, and the courage to move forward together.

Characters

Stewart Inkster

Stewart is a thirteen-year-old prodigy with a gift for science and a deficit in social skills. After his mother's death, he clings to routines, objects, and the belief that her molecules remain with him. Stewart's journey is one of adaptation: he must navigate a new family, a new school, and the treacherous waters of adolescence. His relationship with Ashley evolves from hopeful curiosity to genuine sibling solidarity, forged through shared adversity. Stewart's psychological resilience is rooted in his ability to find meaning in loss and to act with integrity, even when it costs him socially.

Ashley Anderson

Ashley, fourteen, is the archetypal "mean girl" on the surface—popular, fashion-obsessed, and quick to judge. Beneath her bravado lies deep insecurity, shame about her father's sexuality, and unresolved grief over her family's dissolution. Ashley's arc is one of painful self-discovery: she is forced to confront her own prejudices, the consequences of her choices, and the emptiness of social status. Her eventual alliance with Stewart and her leadership in the protection squads mark her growth from self-absorption to empathy and courage.

Leonard Inkster

Stewart's father, Leonard, is a journalist who tries to balance his own grief with the demands of a new relationship and blended family. He is pragmatic and loving, but sometimes struggles to assert his needs. Leonard's willingness to compromise and his devotion to Stewart are central to the family's eventual healing. His relationship with Caroline is built on mutual respect and the shared experience of loss.

Caroline Anderson

Caroline, Ashley's mother and Leonard's partner, is a news anchor who brings a calm, diplomatic presence to the household. She is determined to create a new family, but often finds herself mediating between competing loyalties and personalities. Caroline's empathy and flexibility are key to the family's ability to adapt and grow.

Phil Anderson

Ashley's father, Phil, is a creative director who comes out as gay, shattering the family's illusion of perfection. He remains close to Ashley and Caroline, living in the backyard laneway house. Phil's journey is one of self-acceptance and the hope for reconciliation with his daughter. His relationship with Michael and his willingness to be vulnerable set an example for the family.

Michael

Phil's boyfriend, Michael, is a costume designer who becomes an unexpected source of support for Ashley. His warmth, generosity, and resilience in the face of prejudice help bridge the gap between Ashley and her father. Michael's presence challenges Ashley's assumptions and helps her see the value of authenticity.

Jared Mitchell

Jared is the school's new "bad boy," whose charm masks a capacity for cruelty and violence. He bullies Stewart, exploits Ashley, and is ultimately revealed as a homophobe and predator. Jared embodies the dangers of unchecked privilege and the harm caused by toxic masculinity. His downfall is precipitated by the courage of those he targets.

Lauren

Ashley's best friend, Lauren, is both a confidante and a rival. Their friendship is marked by competition, jealousy, and shifting alliances. Lauren's eventual betrayal of Ashley underscores the fragility of relationships built on status rather than trust.

Phoebe

Stewart's friend and eventual romantic interest, Phoebe is a fellow Mathlete who values kindness and integrity. She supports Stewart through his challenges and helps catalyze the protection squads. Phoebe's presence offers Stewart a glimpse of acceptance and belonging.

Schrödinger

Stewart's cat, Schrödinger, is more than a pet—he is a living link to Stewart's mother and a source of comfort in times of crisis. His disappearance and eventual return mirror the family's journey from loss to reunion.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel alternates between Stewart's and Ashley's first-person voices, allowing readers to see events from both sides. This structure highlights the misunderstandings, biases, and growth of each character, fostering empathy and complexity. The dual narrative also underscores the theme of interconnectedness, as each character's actions ripple through the lives of others.

Symbolism of Molecules and Objects

Stewart's fixation on molecules, his mother's figurines, and Schrödinger the cat serve as tangible symbols of memory, loss, and connection. The recurring motif of molecules—constantly moving, combining, and separating—mirrors the characters' emotional journeys and the ever-changing nature of family and identity.

Social Hierarchies and the Ladder

The metaphor of the social ladder is used to explore the pressures and pitfalls of adolescence. Ashley's obsession with status and Stewart's outsider perspective provide a lens for examining the costs of conformity and the courage required to challenge toxic norms.

Foreshadowing and Irony

Early references to the dangers of bullying, the fragility of reputation, and the unpredictability of change foreshadow the crises to come. The irony of Ashley's initial contempt for Stewart, and her eventual reliance on him, adds depth and poignancy to their relationship.

The Protection Squads

The creation of the protection squads is both a plot resolution and a thematic statement. It demonstrates the power of solidarity, the importance of standing up for others, and the possibility of change even in the face of entrenched cruelty.

Analysis

Susin Nielsen's We Are All Made of Molecules is a sharp, funny, and deeply empathetic novel that uses the lens of two very different teenagers to examine the messy realities of loss, identity, and belonging. By alternating between Stewart's scientific, hopeful worldview and Ashley's defensive, image-conscious perspective, the book reveals the pain and possibility inherent in change. The story tackles big issues—homophobia, bullying, sexual assault, and the complexities of modern family life—without ever losing sight of the small, everyday acts of kindness and bravery that make healing possible. Ultimately, the novel's message is one of interconnectedness: like molecules, people are always in flux, always influencing each other, and always capable of transformation. The book encourages readers to look beyond appearances, to forgive, and to find strength in community—a timely lesson for readers of all ages.

Last updated: May 12, 2025