Last to Finish

Written by Barbara Esham · Illustrated by Mike Gordon

Part of the The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses series

A boy struggles with math tests, but discovers a new way to learn.

4.0 Goodreads · 165 ratings

32 pages· 770L

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Max dreads math tests, always finishing last as anxiety grips him. While classmates breeze through, Max's heart races and his mind freezes. Is he really the worst at math, or is there another way to succeed? Dive into a story where struggles reveal unique strengths and learning differences become a path to triumph. Discover how Max's journey challenges the notion that math is just about memorization, offering a fresh perspective on intelligence and perseverance. Will Max find his own way to shine in the classroom?

From the publisher

The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses 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! 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? This positive story 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.

“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

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