Solving for M

Fifth grade at the middle school is complicated and strange. Mika thinks that the math journal for Mr. Vann’s class is odd, but so are a lot of things happening to her this year. Her best friend is not in her classes so they never see each other. Her mom has found something on the back of her leg which requires biopsies and hospital visits. Her dad, a doctor, is talking to her mom, even though they divorced before Mika was born. She’s not sure how she’ll manage fifth grade, but just maybe this math journal will provide a way to work out life problems all while learning math.

Like so many of the middle-grade novels coming out, this piece of realistic fiction is a sweet, cuddly tale. Unlike many of them, the chapters feature math concepts that smoothly work the story along. Her math journal entries provide a peek into Mika’s situation with compassion and love. The story revolves around the math teacher and that class, and while a limited view, keeps the focus on Mika’s home situation without adding extra unnecessary details. It’s easily as cute as Mustaches for Maggie or Walking with Miss Millie.