Book Review: Math Curse
Math Curse by Jon Scieszka: A Whimsical, Witty Journey into the World of Numbers
Introduction: A Book That Turns Math into Madness (and Magic)
If you’ve ever stared at a math problem and felt like the numbers were conspiring against you, Math Curse by Jon Scieszka is the book for you. This clever, laugh-out-loud picture book takes the dread out of arithmetic and replaces it with humor, creativity, and a healthy dose of absurdity. Illustrated by Lane Smith, Math Curse is a beloved children’s classic that turns everyday life into a series of hilarious (and sometimes mind-bending) math problems.
But is this book just for kids? Absolutely not. Parents, teachers, and even math-phobic adults will find themselves chuckling at its playful take on numbers. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore why Math Curse remains a standout in children’s literature, how it makes math fun, and why it deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
Plot Summary: When Math Takes Over Your Life
The story follows a young student who wakes up one day to find that their teacher, Mrs. Fibonacci, has declared: “You know, you can think of almost everything as a math problem.” From that moment on, the narrator is trapped in a math curse—suddenly, every part of their day becomes a math puzzle.
- Morning routine? How many minutes until the bus arrives?
- Lunchtime? What fraction of the class has a peanut butter sandwich?
- Gym class? Calculating the probability of getting hit by a dodgeball.
The book cleverly blends real-world scenarios with increasingly ridiculous math problems, from dividing a pizza into impossible fractions to calculating the speed of a runaway hamster. The illustrations by Lane Smith add a surreal, almost dreamlike quality, making the math curse feel both chaotic and delightful.
Without giving away the ending, the story resolves in a way that reassures readers—math doesn’t have to be scary, and sometimes, the best way to break a curse is to laugh at it.
Character Analysis: The Narrator and Their Math-Induced Meltdown
The unnamed protagonist is relatable to any student who’s ever felt overwhelmed by numbers. Their journey from frustration to amusement mirrors the way many of us experience math—first as a baffling obstacle, then as a puzzle that can be fun to solve.
- Mrs. Fibonacci (a nod to the famous Fibonacci sequence) is the quirky teacher who sets the curse in motion. She’s not a villain but rather a catalyst for seeing the world differently.
- The classmates appear in chaotic, exaggerated illustrations, reinforcing the idea that math is everywhere, even in the most mundane interactions.
The brilliance of Math Curse is that it doesn’t just present math as dry equations—it turns the narrator (and by extension, the reader) into an active problem-solver.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Playful, Punny, and Perfectly Absurd
Jon Scieszka’s writing is fast-paced, witty, and packed with wordplay. The book reads like a stream-of-consciousness rant from a kid who’s way too deep into math mode:
“I wake up at 7:15. It takes me 10 minutes to get dressed, 15 minutes to eat my breakfast, and 1 minute to brush my teeth. If the bus leaves at 8:00, will I make it?”
Lane Smith’s illustrations complement the text with collage-like textures, exaggerated expressions, and visual jokes (like a pie chart made of actual pie). The combination of text and art creates a sense of controlled chaos—much like math itself.
Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just Numbers
At its core, Math Curse is about perspective. The narrator starts by seeing math as an oppressive force but gradually learns to engage with it playfully. Key themes include:
- Math Anxiety vs. Math Curiosity – The book validates the frustration many feel toward math while gently encouraging a shift in mindset.
- Problem-Solving as a Life Skill – Whether it’s dividing a sandwich or escaping a dodgeball, the book shows that math is just another way to navigate the world.
- Creativity in Learning – By framing math in absurd scenarios, Scieszka and Smith prove that education doesn’t have to be boring.
Personal Reading Experience: Why I Loved It (and Why You Will Too)
As someone who once dreaded math class, Math Curse was a revelation. It doesn’t just teach math—it celebrates the weirdness of numbers. The humor is sharp enough for adults (I laughed at the “probability of a pop quiz” page), yet simple enough for kids to enjoy.
The book’s greatest strength is its ability to make readers think, “Hey, math isn’t so bad after all.” It’s the kind of book that makes kids (and grown-ups) look at everyday situations and ask, “Wait… is this a math problem?”
Comparisons to Other Works in the Genre
If you enjoy Math Curse, you’ll likely appreciate:
- The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster – Another clever book that turns abstract concepts into adventures.
- G is for Googol by David M. Schwartz – A fun, concept-driven math book for kids.
- Sir Cumference series by Cindy Neuschwander – Math meets medieval adventure.
Math Curse stands out for its humor and surrealism, making it a unique entry in math-themed children’s books.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
✅ Strengths:
- Hilarious, engaging writing
- Stunning, imaginative illustrations
- Makes math feel accessible and fun
- Appeals to a wide age range
❌ Minor Weaknesses:
- Some jokes might go over younger kids’ heads
- The frenetic pace could be overwhelming for very literal thinkers
Target Audience: Who Should Read This?
- Kids ages 6-10 (especially those who think math is boring)
- Teachers & parents looking for a fun way to introduce math concepts
- Adults who enjoy clever children’s books (it’s a great coffee table book!)
Memorable Quotes & Passages
“You know, you can think of almost everything as a math problem.”
“If an average kid eats an average amount of food, how much will they eat in their lifetime?”
Cultural & Historical Context
Published in 1995, Math Curse arrived during a push for more engaging STEM education. Its success helped pave the way for other playful, concept-driven children’s books.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Math Haters & Lovers Alike
Math Curse is a rare gem—a book that makes learning feel like an adventure. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves smart, funny books, this one’s a winner.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Readers:
- Did Math Curse change how you see math?
- What’s the funniest math problem in the book?
- How could teachers use this in classrooms today?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Happy reading (and calculating)!
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