About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts saying they are bad at math or when school anxiety begins to affect their self-image. It is a comforting and practical story for children who feel like they are falling behind their peers or who experience paralyzing fear when faced with numbers. The story follows Erin, a sixth-grader who is failing math and keeping it a secret from her parents until a job at a local deli forces her to confront her fears in a real-world setting. A parent might choose this book to normalize the feeling of academic struggle and to show that intelligence is not defined by a single subject. It provides a gentle bridge to discuss academic honesty, the difference between school math and life skills, and the pride that comes from overcoming a long-standing hurdle. The tone is realistic and encouraging, making it a perfect fit for ages 8 to 12.
