The Smelly Brain Training Manual: Fight Zombies with Math

By Cil Leigh Reiter

Getting kids excited about math isn't easy-unless the zombie apocalypse is involved.

In this illustrated sci-fi adventure set in Hawai'i, two brothers discover that smelly brains repel space zombies. How do you make your brain smelly? By doing math, of course The Smelly Brain Training Manual turns mental math into a hilarious survival mission: The faster you calculate, the stinkier your brain gets-and zombies can't stand the smell

This middle grade illustrated sci-fi adventure is a math lesson in disguise. Kids won't even realize they're learning how to multiply faster, until one day they automatically blurt out answers to problems like:

84 = 7,056

97 96 = 9,312

Who knew saving the world could start with a math problem?

⭐ Why Kids Love This Book

Silly space zombies that are more comical than frightening. A funny zombie book for kids 8-12

Action scenes, junkyard gadgets, and laugh-out-loud moments

Illustrated chapters that keep the pages turning

Math lessons and drills for building number sense that feel like part of the adventure

⭐ Why Parents & Teachers Love It

Builds real math confidence through story-integrated practice

Great for reluctant readers who need something fast, funny, and engaging

Encourages problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork

Positive ADHD representation: different brains = different strengths

AAPI protagonists and an authentic Hawaiian setting

⭐ Inside the Training Manual

Every few chapters, kids encounter:

Number Sense Strategies

Mental Math Lessons

Mini worksheets

Brain warm-ups that connect directly to the plot

These activities feel like part of the adventure, not homework-making this the rare book that's both educational and ridiculously funny.

⭐ Perfect For:

Kids ages 8-12

Reluctant readers who need humor and action

STEM-loving families

Teachers and homeschoolers looking for math enrichment

Fans of The Wild Robot, The Last Kids on Earth, and funny sci-fi

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G1J36LPK
• ISBN13: 9798273194496
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"