Do the Math:
Secrets, Lies, and Algebra
by Wendy Lichtman

    DO THE MATH: SECRETS, LIES, AND ALGEBRA by Wendy Lichtman
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  7/1/07
    Publisher:  Greenwillow
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Don’t panic! You won’t be asked to complete any math problems to read this book! Believe me, I checked.

    Wendy Lichtman has created a fun mystery involving main character Tess, whose unique view of life has her imagining
    everything around her as it relates to math. Chapter headings include concepts such as “Graphs," “Tangents," “The
    Additive Property of Equality," and “DNE” just to name a few.

    Although the math concepts add creativity to the story, the real focus is on several mysteries. There is a questionable
    suicide, a stolen history test, and a possible cheating scandal to keep readers interested. Tess joins her friends in
    trying to solve the mysteries. Along the way, she’ll share in secrets and lies that will test even the best of friendships.

    Tess’s life is filled with interesting teachers, annoying boys, frustrating parents, and just about any other typical teen
    problem readers can imagine.

    This is a book for the experienced as well as the reluctant reader. Math lovers might see this book as a reading
    challenge. Even math teachers would find this book fun. Wouldn’t students be shocked if some math teacher out there
    used it as read-aloud for end-of-the-year math review?