Last to Finish, A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class: A Positive Math Story and Growth Mindset Book for Kids with Math Anxiety (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses)

This positive math story for kids is perfect for anyone who has ever struggled with learning by memorization. Readers of all ages will discover that struggles don't always mean you're bad at something, but that maybe you just learn differently from others.

If you're looking for books about anxiety in kids or embracing a growth mindset in math, then Last to Finish, A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class will be the perfect addition to your home or school library.

Max is convinced he will never succeed at memorizing his multiplication facts. When it's time for a test, one by one, Max's classmates turn in their finished papers before the timer rings. Not Max. As soon as the teacher starts the timer, his heart begins to pound, his hands begin to sweat, and his brain freezes! He is always the last to finish...and sometimes the other kids tease him about it. Is Max the worst math student ever?

The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses Series:

Free Association Where My Mind Goes During Science Class

Stacey Coolidge Fancy-Smancy Cursive Handwriting

Mrs. Gorski I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

If You're So Smart, How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi

Last to Finish, A Story About the Smartest Boy in Math Class

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

Positive, humorous stories, demonstrate varying forms of learning, creativity, and intelligence. Introduces readers to a specific learning style or learning difference while offering realistic examples of triumph over difficulty. The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series is meant to demonstrate various forms of learning, creativity, and intelligence. Each book introduces a realistic example of triumph over difficulty in a positive, humorous way that readers of all ages will enjoy!

"Children and teachers alike will celebrate the message, conveyed poignantly in Last to Finish, that 'mathematics is much more than memorizing math facts and taking timed tests'...Esham richly captures the dilemma when one such youngster encounters difficulties with memorizing math facts but, in fact, is a deep thinker of mathematics just the same. The reader will discover that the solution is both true and simple." ―Dr. Susan Baum, The College of New Rochelle Professor Emeritus, Gifted Education

Praise for the series:

"This is a wonderful book series. Each story shows children that success is about effort and determination, that problems need not derail them, and that adults can understand their worries and struggles. My research demonstrates that these lessons are essential for children." ―Dr. Carol S. Dweck

BARBARA ESHAM is the author of the Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series and the former owner and CEO of Mainstream Connections. She lives in New England with her daughters.

Mike Gordon has illustrated over three hundred children’s books, including Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? Since 2011 he has been self-publishing books through his online company.