Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra

By Wendy Lichtman

Book Overview

Using concepts from algebra and relating them to life, Tess navigates the waters of friendship, popularity, and family. Math lover Tess has always used mathematical concepts to help her understand things in her life. She is surprised to find out how much math--and life--can change in eighth grade. She also has to learn about injustice and ethics when a family friend mysteriously dies, and when she witnesses a cheating episode at her school and realizes that keeping silent about it, even to get in the good graces of the cutest boy in school, only leads to more trouble. Are theorems and axioms about life fail-safe? Is there an absolute answer to everything, just as there are absolute numbers? In the end, Tess decides that her life, like the infinity sign, is always changing, but that as long as she sticks to some key principles for herself, she can handle life's uncertainties.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061229555
• ISBN13: 9780061229558
• Release Date: June 2007
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8

Customer Reviews

Engrossing from Page One

Even though I am way past my teenage years, I still loved reading the story of Tess and her friends, their mystery, and discoveries of real math. Lichtman's characters are distinct and vivid; her plot line is creative and original. I even learned about some math principles. My twenty-something daughter and 12 year old nephew both really enjoyed reading it as well. My daughter said it would make a fun movie.

Math is cool

What a great concept to make math cool. I loved the imagery and the way Tess thinks through her world AND that she's a girl (sorry for the run-on). Page turner even for a 36 year old kid.

Algrebra comes alive

This book is brilliant. If you love math, you'll be amazed at how the author uses the theoretical to describe human relationships and events. If you hate math, this book will give you a new appreciation for the elusive concepts you never thought you'd ever need again. If you're afraid of math, this book will make it accessible in a way it never has been before and it's all accomplished through the backdrop of a great story. Lichtman captures the voice and social culture of adolescence and so seamlessly weaves math concepts throughout that you don't even realize you're learning algebra. This book should be required reading for every teen taking algebra and for every parent who might be asked to help with homework.

Great book!

This innovative book captures the essence of middle school life and engages the mathematical and creative interests of young readers. I read this book with a small group of 11 to 15 year olds and they loved the combination of mystery, math and tales of teenage life. It's a great educational tool... and a great read!

Fabulous read!

I loved this book! I've never seen a math/mystery before, and this one is a gem! The story is compelling and the math concepts deepen the plot. This is an extremely clever, funny, and surprisingly touching book.