A KNOTTY PROBLEM

In Cole’s seventh installment of a middle-grade series, fifth graders find their math team and their friendships put to the test.

Soccer star Stephanie Lewis leads her school team to victory in the town of Maynard. They score a spot in the state tournament, but unfortunately, it’s the same weekend as the district math competition. She delivers the sad news to her team, the Math Kids. As Stephanie predicts, Justin Grant responds in anger and practically demands she leave the group if she’s too busy for the math competition. Catherine Duchesne storms off with Stephanie, while Justin’s only remaining teammate, Jordan Waters, helplessly watches. The following days are filled with “icy silence” among the four friends as some search for a way to repair the rift. Then there’s an unexpected snag. Justin’s dad has a new job lined up elsewhere, and the family will likely move by the end of the school year. Even if all four of the Math Kids manage somehow to reunite and compete, it may be for the very last time. Cole’s educational story brims with math problems that characters solve (readers can also find the solutions). The bright, young cast is likable despite Stephanie and Justin’s squabble (both sides have reason to be hurt). And it’s a delight when Catherine and Jordan work hard to fix real-world problems. While this installment is less exciting than others (which involve burglary, kidnapping, etc.), it shows how everyday life can sometimes hit the hardest. O’Toole’s black-and-white artwork leaves lasting impressions, whether filled with detail (Justin’s packed but organized room) or deceptively simple (the Math Kids’ hands raised in unison). A helpful appendix clarifies some of the more complex mathematics, like the order of operations.

Ably demonstrates finding thoughtful solutions for common problems.