The Math Wiz

The Math Wiz
By Betsy Duffey
Publisher/Date: The Trumpet Club
# of pages: 67
reading level: 3
genre: fiction



Summary:

Marty Malone is a math wiz. he did his first math problem when he was four years-old. when he's in third grade, he has to go to a new school. he's wonderful at math, but horrible at P.E. he always get chosen last for teams, and he isn't very good at sports. He tries to solve his P.E. problem using math. he gets the idea to use his father's ace bandage to wrap his leg so it looks like he is hurt. that way, he will be excused from participation. however, his plan doesn't work out very well. the bandage is loose and ends up falling off. worst of all, the gum he used to make it stick gets stuck on the bottom of the principal's shoe! then he tries to think of a different plan. in math class, he's the first one who finishes his timed subtraction test. after he's done, he goes to work on his new P.E. equation. he wants to change some part of it to get a different answer. then his thoughts are interrupted by his teacher. she's asking him for the next answer. he is lost, but a girl in the class helps him out. after the class is finished checking the answers, the teacher picks up all the worksheets to grade them. she accidentally picks up Marty's P.E. equation. he's scared he'll get into trouble for it, and he worries about it throughout the class. then a note gets passed to him right as the bell rings. he decides to wait to read it. he gets his papers from the teacher and is expecting to get into trouble. instead, he finds that his teacher has written him a note saying that he could change the equation to include a friend. then P.E. might be better for him. she also gives him a flyer for the math picnic so he can find a friend there. he's excited about that. he also finds out that the note is from Billy who's also bad in P.E. the next day in P.E. Marty is chosen to be a team captain. as his first choice, he picks Billy, and they become friends.

Who benefits from reading this book?

I think a lot of kids will be able to relate well to this book. every kid has his/her challenges in school. everyone is different and has different talents. so anyone who needs to realize that they are special for their individual talent would benefit from reading this book.

What problems could this book create?

I don't see how this book could cause any problems. it's a pretty uplifting story. i think people will be able to relate and benefit more from reading this book than have problems after reading it.

My reaction:

I thought this book was cute. i liked how the solution to his P.E. problem was to find a friend. i think a lot of kids will be able to understand where Marty is coming from. it's hard when you're the worst at something. however, everyone is good at something. like Marty was good at math. i thought it was fun that he found a friend who was also good at math. this was a good easy book, and i'd recommend it.