Math Attack

Horton, Joan. Math Attack. Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 2009. ISBN: 9780374348618.

In Math Attack, Joan Horton takes the reader into the often dreaded world of arithmetic and introduces a frustrated young lady who experiences math trouble. Through vivid, detailed illustrations and rhythmic poetry that bring the reader back into the classroom, you immediately are taken on an adventure in which a young lady finds herself unable to remember her math facts. Little did she know that agonizing over simple multiplication would unleash a whirlwind of chaos affecting not only her classroom and school, but her quaint, uneventful town. Throughout the day many people are found trying to help this unfortunate young lady ranging from what one may imagine as a typical, well meaning nurse to the obtrusive efforts of the National Guard. Only the main character can stop the domino effect her basic math skills has (or lack of) on her town and finds it within herself to make it happen. From the seemingly minute details on each wonderfully illustrated scene to the whimsical, poetic dialogue, the reader is immediately pulled into a world where knowing your math facts can make the difference between a calm, serene school day to a wild, action-packed day where anything can happen.

Laura Guadiz, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950