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Math = Trouble! #2
Fractions = Trouble!
If Wilson Williams thought multiplication was difficult, he is finding fractions impossible. And when his parents hire a math tutor for him, he is sure he's the only kid in the history of Hill Elementary to have one. Wilson is determined to make sure that no one finds out, not even his best friend, Josh. At least his pet hamster, Pip, is sympathetic. Pip is going to be part of Wilson's science fair project, because any project with hamsters in it is bound to be wonderful. But Josh has the coolest project of all: at what temperature does a pickle explode? Unfortunately, it looks as if Wilson's secret may end up exploding their friendship. Claudia Mills' Fractions = Trouble is a fun and thoroughly relatable story that Kirkus Reviews calls an "excellent selection for early chapter-book readers."
128 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2011
8 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Mills
84 books135 followersClaudia Mills is the author of Nixie Ness, Cooking Star, 7 x 9 = Trouble!, Zero Tolerance, Write This Down, and many other books for children. She was born in New York City in 1954. She received her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, her master's degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University. She also received an M.L.S. degree from the University of Maryland, with a concentration in children's literature. She had a second career as a professor of philosophy at the Colorado at Boulder, until leaving that career in 2014 to write full time. She now teaches in the graduate program in children's literature at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. All of her books have been written between 5 and 7 in the morning while drinking Swiss Miss hot chocolate.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/claudi...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/claudi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 13, 2019
Wilson, his family, his friends, and his hamster are likeable enough. My quibble is with the author, a self-admitted math hater, writing a book about fractions without seeking a little professional help. Teaching elementary mathematics at a high level requires more expertise than the average adult possesses, let alone someone whose understanding is lacking.
There are three models for teaching and understanding fraction concepts: the area model (pizza, candy bars); the number line model (rulers, tape measures, measuring cups); and the set model (discrete objects, like M & Ms). Each model is particularly good for highlighting fundamental fraction ideas, such as the meaning of the numerator and denominator.
However, the tutor in this book uses only the set model, which is particularly poor for comparing fractions. How is it obvious that one out of four hamsters is more than one out of eight hamsters? In both cases, it's a single hamster. In this case, a pizza model--which shows a whole of the same size--makes it obvious that 1/4 of a pizza is greater than 1/8 of a pizza. Anyone can easily see this by comparing the size of the pieces, and then make the connection to the abstract notation.
There are three models for teaching and understanding fraction concepts: the area model (pizza, candy bars); the number line model (rulers, tape measures, measuring cups); and the set model (discrete objects, like M & Ms). Each model is particularly good for highlighting fundamental fraction ideas, such as the meaning of the numerator and denominator.
However, the tutor in this book uses only the set model, which is particularly poor for comparing fractions. How is it obvious that one out of four hamsters is more than one out of eight hamsters? In both cases, it's a single hamster. In this case, a pizza model--which shows a whole of the same size--makes it obvious that 1/4 of a pizza is greater than 1/8 of a pizza. Anyone can easily see this by comparing the size of the pieces, and then make the connection to the abstract notation.
June 26, 2024
We love this series so much! In this one, Wilson is struggling with fractions (after struggling with multiplication) so he has to go to a math tutor. He's really embarrassed about needing a tutor so he tries to hide it from everyone, including his best friend Josh. They're also working on science fair projects, so the tension is a little more noted. In the end, he finds out Josh has a spelling tutor and everyone needs a little more support in other areas. He also figures out fractions! Woohoo!
October 31, 2017
This is the second book I’ve read with my son by Claudia Mills. The books we’ve read have been simple, fourth grade level books but I’m not surprised to read the author has a PHD in philosophy. I feel she does a great job teaching non-controversial values through cute stories.
June 14, 2021
Very Good! This would be a solid choice for 4th grade boys to read as a class, or a realistic fiction book report assignment. I know a 2nd grade teacher who does it as a read-aloud, a little a day.
May 27, 2021
My 3rd grader was just starting fractions when we discovered this book. Adorable. Very relatable characters and situations.
May 13, 2017
Children's chapter book about a boy who isn't good at math. He struggles with fractions so much that his parents arrange a math tutor for him. Very realistic portrayal of a child's attitude towards being tutored - embarrassment, fear of his classmates finding out, dread before the sessions, but also the realization that the extra help leads to success.
The protagonist, his best friend, and his little brother all conduct experiments to prepare their separate science fair projects. Exemplifies the trial and error, and even shifting of focus, that accompanies scientific exploration of any subject.
Strong sequel to 7 x 9 = Trouble! by this same author.
The protagonist, his best friend, and his little brother all conduct experiments to prepare their separate science fair projects. Exemplifies the trial and error, and even shifting of focus, that accompanies scientific exploration of any subject.
Strong sequel to 7 x 9 = Trouble! by this same author.
August 1, 2011
Love this sequel to "7 x 9 = Trouble!"--once again, for a short book (113 pp.), Mills has packed in lots of good stuff. In this latest book, third-grader Wilson is trying to master fractions, after tussling with multiplication in the previous book. Having a younger brother who loves math doesn't help, and now his parents have decided to get Wilson a math tutor! Wilson is terrified that his friends, especially Josh, who is good at math, will find out. However, his tutor uses some of his favorite things, especially hamsters, eventually helping him decipher the mystery of fractions. And it turns out that Josh is getting tutored in spelling!
Wilson's reactions to having a tutor ring very true--although his tutor has him draw hamsters to work on fractions (visual aids), and he finds it really helpful, he doesn't want ANYONE to see those drawings, even to help other students. He doesn't want anyone to know how he's spending his Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. When he does pretty well on his fractions test, he expects to be done with the tutor, and is NOT happy when his mom explains that he needs to keep working at his math skills. His relationship with his brother is also realistic--his brother wants to copy Wilson's every move, which gets on his nerves. But in the end, Wilson looks out for his brother anyway.
Lots of good school humor about the science fair, involving exploding pickles, trying to teach his hamster tricks, and missing tents. Along the way, readers may pick up something about scientific inquiry and may solve their fraction troubles. They will definitely see that lots of kids struggle with various school subjects, and that having a tutor is not the end of the world.
Wilson's reactions to having a tutor ring very true--although his tutor has him draw hamsters to work on fractions (visual aids), and he finds it really helpful, he doesn't want ANYONE to see those drawings, even to help other students. He doesn't want anyone to know how he's spending his Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. When he does pretty well on his fractions test, he expects to be done with the tutor, and is NOT happy when his mom explains that he needs to keep working at his math skills. His relationship with his brother is also realistic--his brother wants to copy Wilson's every move, which gets on his nerves. But in the end, Wilson looks out for his brother anyway.
Lots of good school humor about the science fair, involving exploding pickles, trying to teach his hamster tricks, and missing tents. Along the way, readers may pick up something about scientific inquiry and may solve their fraction troubles. They will definitely see that lots of kids struggle with various school subjects, and that having a tutor is not the end of the world.
December 20, 2016
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
Fractions = Trouble! is a sequel to 7 x 9 = Trouble! Main character Wilson Williams struggles with understanding fractions, so his parents hire a tutor, Mrs. Tucker, to help him. Wilson is convinced he is the only student in the history of his elementary school who has ever needed a tutor, and he keeps the tutoring sessions secret from his best friend, Josh, and from everyone else at school. In the meantime, he and his younger brother, Kipper, make plans for the science fair. Wilson decides to study his hamster while Kipper studies the effect of wind on different sized tents. After a few unexpected turns of events, Wilson comes to accept his need for a tutor and things end on a positive note.
This short book reminded me a lot of Muggie Maggie, a chapter book by Beverly Cleary about learning to write in cursive. I recognized the same introspective and insular point of view, and the same frustration and need for secrecy in both characters.Wilson also shares some characteristics with Richard "Beast" Best from the Polk Street School series by Patricia Reilly Giff, who worries that other kids will judge his difficulties with school. Fractions = Trouble also includes one of the best younger siblings I've read in a chapter book. Kipper is a unique character, with strange quirks, including a strong attachment to two stuffed animals. I thought Wilson's interactions with him were some of the strongest moments in the book.
All in all, a great story to share with kids who struggle in math, or with any subject. Recommended to boys in grades 2 and 3 who are just starting to read chapter books on their own.
Fractions = Trouble! is a sequel to 7 x 9 = Trouble! Main character Wilson Williams struggles with understanding fractions, so his parents hire a tutor, Mrs. Tucker, to help him. Wilson is convinced he is the only student in the history of his elementary school who has ever needed a tutor, and he keeps the tutoring sessions secret from his best friend, Josh, and from everyone else at school. In the meantime, he and his younger brother, Kipper, make plans for the science fair. Wilson decides to study his hamster while Kipper studies the effect of wind on different sized tents. After a few unexpected turns of events, Wilson comes to accept his need for a tutor and things end on a positive note.
This short book reminded me a lot of Muggie Maggie, a chapter book by Beverly Cleary about learning to write in cursive. I recognized the same introspective and insular point of view, and the same frustration and need for secrecy in both characters.Wilson also shares some characteristics with Richard "Beast" Best from the Polk Street School series by Patricia Reilly Giff, who worries that other kids will judge his difficulties with school. Fractions = Trouble also includes one of the best younger siblings I've read in a chapter book. Kipper is a unique character, with strange quirks, including a strong attachment to two stuffed animals. I thought Wilson's interactions with him were some of the strongest moments in the book.
All in all, a great story to share with kids who struggle in math, or with any subject. Recommended to boys in grades 2 and 3 who are just starting to read chapter books on their own.
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October 21, 2012The story is about a boy named Wilson who thought that fractions are just too hard for him to figure out. Wilson thought that third grade was great, except math class. Wilson is super embarrassed by the fact that he cannot figure out fractions, so when his parents decide to get a tutor for him, he just can't tell his friend Josh. Along with Wilson not understanding fractions he also has problem with confidence. He takes the opportunity during the science fair to prove that he can do things and there are things that Wilson can be proud of. Wilson finds out that fractions can apply to his real life, and that they aren't so bad. In the end Wilson finds confidence and figures out his fractions.
The audience for this book would be for third through fifth grade student who struggles with confidence and not liking math. Kids who don't like math could really relate to this book, and maybe give them the confidence to enjoy math a little more, or encourage them that they will get it eventually with a little more help.
I would use this book for a class book on a week that the students were learning something a little difficult. I think this book would create good discussion for the class, and help them gain confidence in their own work. I would use this book to help boost confidence as well as showing the students that math can sometimes be difficult, but with extra work it can be done.
The appeal for this story is the fact that students will be able to relate to Wilson. There are a lot of students who find themselves in this situation every week, or day even. The fact that the students can relate to Wilson, so they will be more likely to read the book and enjoy it.
Mills, Claudia, and G. Brian Karas. Fractions = trouble!. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011. Print.
The audience for this book would be for third through fifth grade student who struggles with confidence and not liking math. Kids who don't like math could really relate to this book, and maybe give them the confidence to enjoy math a little more, or encourage them that they will get it eventually with a little more help.
I would use this book for a class book on a week that the students were learning something a little difficult. I think this book would create good discussion for the class, and help them gain confidence in their own work. I would use this book to help boost confidence as well as showing the students that math can sometimes be difficult, but with extra work it can be done.
The appeal for this story is the fact that students will be able to relate to Wilson. There are a lot of students who find themselves in this situation every week, or day even. The fact that the students can relate to Wilson, so they will be more likely to read the book and enjoy it.
Mills, Claudia, and G. Brian Karas. Fractions = trouble!. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2011. Print.
June 20, 2012
Summary: While trying to decide on a science fair project, third-grader Wilson struggles with with fractions and, much to his embarrassment, his parents sign him up to work with a math tutor.
Book is well written and funny. It also would be a good book for kids who are having trouble in math. There are a few parts of the book that better explain fractions and strategies to help learn them. Wilson is taught to use drawings of his hamsters to learn fractions and also learns ways to understand what a numerator and what a denominator are. Also a good book for helping kids to know it is okay to have a tutor - everyone has something that they struggle with and need help with.
In the book, Wilson is embarrassed that his parents are making him see a math tutor twice a week. He tried to hide it from his friend Josh, who is a whiz at math. In the end it turns out that Josh is also seeing the same tutor but for his spelling which is evident through the book that he struggles with it. The science fair sections of the book are funny. Josh tries different ways in which to see at what temperature a pickle will explode. Wilson tries different science experiments with his hamster. Wilson's little brother Kipper who is in Kdg tries to see which of 3 different size tents will blow away first.
This author writes great early chapter books for kids. Would put her books on a suggested reading list for grade3.
Book is well written and funny. It also would be a good book for kids who are having trouble in math. There are a few parts of the book that better explain fractions and strategies to help learn them. Wilson is taught to use drawings of his hamsters to learn fractions and also learns ways to understand what a numerator and what a denominator are. Also a good book for helping kids to know it is okay to have a tutor - everyone has something that they struggle with and need help with.
In the book, Wilson is embarrassed that his parents are making him see a math tutor twice a week. He tried to hide it from his friend Josh, who is a whiz at math. In the end it turns out that Josh is also seeing the same tutor but for his spelling which is evident through the book that he struggles with it. The science fair sections of the book are funny. Josh tries different ways in which to see at what temperature a pickle will explode. Wilson tries different science experiments with his hamster. Wilson's little brother Kipper who is in Kdg tries to see which of 3 different size tents will blow away first.
This author writes great early chapter books for kids. Would put her books on a suggested reading list for grade3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2013
Wilson Williams is having trouble learning math in school, especially fractions. His mother signs him up to see a math tutor, and Wilson finds this embarrassing. He does not want his best friend Josh, or anyone else in his class to know. Wilson is sure that he is the only kid in the universe who sees a math tutor. Wilson finds solace with his pet hamster Pip, who is going to be part of his science fair project. His science project may not be as cool as his friend Josh, who will be finding the temperature at which a pickle explodes, but Wilson has plenty to worry about. Will he pass the big fraction test before anyone finds out about his math tutor?
I liked the characters in the story, especially Wilson's little brother, Kipper, who goes everywhere with his stuffed alligator Snappy and his stuffed penguin Peck-Peck. The caring relationship between the brothers was realistic and heart-warming. This will be a good book for early chapter book readers and those readers who struggle.
I liked the characters in the story, especially Wilson's little brother, Kipper, who goes everywhere with his stuffed alligator Snappy and his stuffed penguin Peck-Peck. The caring relationship between the brothers was realistic and heart-warming. This will be a good book for early chapter book readers and those readers who struggle.
October 16, 2014
Wilson Williams is having trouble with math again but this year he's in third grade and fractions are his downfall. Mom and Dad hire a math tutor for Wilson but he doesn't want his classmates and especially his best friend Josh to know. In the meantime the school is having a science fair. Josh wants to find out the temperature needed to explode a pickle, and even Kipper, Wilson's kindergarten brother has a project in mind.
Wilson wants to do something involving his pet hamster. His tutor encourages him to use his hamster, Pip, to help him learn fractions which he uses with the science fair project.
For a slim book aimed at younger readers, there are creative subplots, good character development and humorous as well as introspective moments like learning everyone needs a little help sometime.
Wilson wants to do something involving his pet hamster. His tutor encourages him to use his hamster, Pip, to help him learn fractions which he uses with the science fair project.
For a slim book aimed at younger readers, there are creative subplots, good character development and humorous as well as introspective moments like learning everyone needs a little help sometime.
October 10, 2011
This is a fun story about pet hamsters, little brothers, math, tents that blow in the wind, science projects, and pickles. It is a good story for third graders, because they can relate to the characters in the story. It's age-appropriate and I think they can empathize with the frustration, embarrassment and pride that Wilson experiences. The illustrations are sparse and completely in black and white, but they complement the story nicely. We enjoyed reading this book together and had a short lesson in fractions after we finished it.
December 24, 2011
Third-grade protagonist Wilson and little brother Kipper are close, but not without their share of sibling rivalry. Their parents are kind and understanding, while guiding them toward the right decisions, but not overbearing: ideal parents in my book. Wilson struggles in math, and frets about what others think of him, from his best friend, to his classmates, to the community at large. His mother hires a math tutor, who helps Wilson in ways he can relate. Highly recommended for those students who worry a lot, especially about math!
Good for grades 2/3.
Good for grades 2/3.
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June 26, 2015This series based on a child who struggles with math.
Premise in this book is that he needs a tutor to help him learn fractions. Tutor lets him use what he's good at (drawing pictures of hamsters) as the basis for helping him master fractions.
Also a science fair is going on at the same time, and kids are trying to decide what their projects will be, walking through the scientific process.
Returns to the theme that a community helps a child -- that this child is only a fraction of his family.
Premise in this book is that he needs a tutor to help him learn fractions. Tutor lets him use what he's good at (drawing pictures of hamsters) as the basis for helping him master fractions.
Also a science fair is going on at the same time, and kids are trying to decide what their projects will be, walking through the scientific process.
Returns to the theme that a community helps a child -- that this child is only a fraction of his family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2012
This is a great book to read for students who are learning about fractions. This gives children a knowledge that they are not the only ones struggling. This is also great for children to read or even teachers because vocabulary words are italicize and they are given a definition to help students learn the terms and understand what it means. This book also gives a glimpse of what a science fair project can be as well as what needs to be done for a science fair project.
April 23, 2012
I purchased this book hoping for our library hoping that it would be an interesting read that could help students in understanding those "dreadful fractions"! It did explain how the tutor taught fractions and might help someone who tried the same procedure, but it seemed to try to submit humor in the situation and seemed to address the embarrassment of having tutoring more than explaining fractions in a fun way.
April 28, 2012
Abbey,
I read this to see if it would be something for your kids but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a kid just miserable with fractions and good at reading. The problem is that the boy gets a tutor which is something that our kids don't have the option of getting. Not that the College Bound Kids need them with you as their teacher because you are a tutor-teacher in one!!!
I read this to see if it would be something for your kids but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a kid just miserable with fractions and good at reading. The problem is that the boy gets a tutor which is something that our kids don't have the option of getting. Not that the College Bound Kids need them with you as their teacher because you are a tutor-teacher in one!!!
July 5, 2012
This book was an adorable tale about a student who is struggling with fractions. He learns how to do fractions by drawing pictures of his pet hamster. (Okay, I know this is a children's book book but I was doing research for a grad class project and I am pretty far behind in the total of books I had set a goal to finish for the year.)
August 5, 2012
Cute story that introduces fractions and the scientific method (loved that Josh brought the baked pickle to the science fair). Also can make struggling kids feel better about needing a little extra help and realize that different people learn in different ways. Need to figure out when which grades cover fractions so I can do the readaloud then ... hopefully before RICBA voting!
December 31, 2012
11/10/12 ** I thought this book was more fun than 7x9=Trouble. I liked the subplot of the science fair that accompanied the difficulty with fractions. Also, the main character's struggles with revealing that he's going to a math tutor are an insightful addition. Finally, I could fully understand his mixed feelings about his younger brother.
January 3, 2016
Wilson is in third grade and is having trouble with math, and specifically fractions. His parents get him a tutor who helps him figure it out. Wilson, his friend Josh, and his little brother Kipper all participate in the school science fair.
This is a cute, realistic chapter book that will be understood and appreciated by those in third grade, like the protagonist.
This is a cute, realistic chapter book that will be understood and appreciated by those in third grade, like the protagonist.
April 23, 2013
Great choice for the Virginia Reader's Choice Awards for 2014. Sweet book, beginning with the first paragraph: Whenever Wilson Williams had a problem, he talked to his hamster, Pip. He had had Pip for only two weeks, but already she understood him better than anybody else in his family did." Students with math phobia will find this story very relate-able. Recommend for second - fourth grades.
June 12, 2013
Wilson struggles is math and is given a math tutor. Fractions are worked into the story. Good book to have in a classroom library for students to read, especially those that struggle in math or with any subject.
6th Grade Common Core Standards: None
*Available at Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries*
6th Grade Common Core Standards: None
*Available at Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries*
September 30, 2011
Sequel to 7x9=trouble. This time Wilson needs a math tutor and has to come up with a science project. Lots of humorous situations and a true understanding of the sensitive nature of needing a tutor. Includes the discovery that other people need tutors also. Mrs. Tucker, the tutor is wonderful!
October 17, 2011
A wonderful little chapter book! Great for third graders and second graders venturing into chapter book territory. I love the brother love story and the appeal to anyone who's never understood fractions... Great math tie-in!
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April 29, 2013All kids can relate to the main character in this story, Wilson because most of them at one time or another have struggled with something at school. This story shows the students that hard work can help you solve any problem and it is especially good when teaching students about fractions.
Read
August 12, 2013Cute story about a struggling student. Thought it would have more interesting ways to think about fractions but not really. It was a good story about family, science projects, and realizing that everyone has things that are challenging.
November 20, 2013
While I wasn't a big fan of this book, I know that it is a good fit for some boys out there who struggle with one subject or another. If you think a reluctant reader might benefit from reading this book, just say it involves exploding pickles. That hooks them every time!
March 27, 2015
Episode two in poor Wilson's struggle with math! This time, his problem is learning fractions (I feel his pain)! His parents decide *gasp* to get Wilson a tutor. Such a great book! Students will love reading this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews