What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this is a great book for reluctant
readers. While there are some instances of bullying and child
neglect, the overall message is a positive one.
Families can talk about the importance of friendships. How did unlikely friendships help the students involved with the tetrahedron project? What did Sharice learn about friendship? How did helping Sharice affect Rhondell?
Common Sense Media Review
This novel based on a true story starts off like many that
focus on urban school systems: the students don't care, the
teachers are uninspired, and the community is apathetic.
Pearsall is a veteran author and she makes ALL OF THE ABOVE
transcend the typical "teacher-inspired miracle story." Indeed,
the math teacher at the center of the project, Mr. Collins, is
a peripheral character. The four students who truly commit to
the project -- Rhondell, Sharice, Marcel, and James -- drive
the story with short, first-person chapters. The narratives
show readers what motivates the four to participate in the
project. We learn about their families, their dreams, and how
the students are connected to each other.
This quick read will appeal to all kinds of students, whether they love, hate, or are indifferent about math. It will even appeal to budding chefs because barbeque recipes from a restaurant owned by Marcel's father are peppered throughout the book. Come for the math, stay for the BBQ? A strange combination, but somehow this story sticks together just fine, and sticks to your ribs.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
