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Franklin School Friends #2
Annika Riz, Math Whiz
Annika Riz loves math more than anything. She's trying to teach her dog, Prime, to count. She's determined to beat fellow math whiz Simon Ellis in a Sudoku contest at the public library. She even sleeps under number-patterned sheets. But Annika's best friends Kelsey and Izzy think math is boring. All they care about is the upcoming school carnival: their principal is going to be dunked in a dunking tank and their class is going to have a booth selling home-baked cookies. But then disaster foils the friends' cookie-baking plans. Can math save the day?
128 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2014
12 people are currently reading
168 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 52 reviews
October 9, 2019
The Franklin School Friends features three girls who are friends in the 3rd grade and two of the boys. Each of the kids has their own particular interest and talents, but they try to support the others. Annika is the star of this second installment. Her interests are math-oriented and decides to enter the Sodoku contest at the local library. I love that idea! Kids are given a puzzle for their grade level and compete for the best time. The three girls are also attempting to bake cookies for the 3rd grade booth at the school carnival. In each batch they make a small mistake which makes the entire thing inedible. Kids will learn about dealing with mistakes, being good friends and trying to do their best. All good things. That's all for now. I need to go find a chocolate chip cookie after reading about all of that baking.
July 25, 2014
I'm not sure sudoku puzzles really constitute as math curriculum or doing sudoku puzzles makes you a math wiz, it makes you a game wiz.
The math in the book is glossed over and provides almost no explanation of the math that Annika and her friends encounter. The book provides nothing mathematically with decimals that they encounter relentlessly and provides one scenario at the very end of the book.
Not worth the sloppily written book and definitely not worth the poor poor mathematics that the book should have included.
The math in the book is glossed over and provides almost no explanation of the math that Annika and her friends encounter. The book provides nothing mathematically with decimals that they encounter relentlessly and provides one scenario at the very end of the book.
Not worth the sloppily written book and definitely not worth the poor poor mathematics that the book should have included.
May 20, 2015
It's refreshing to read a chapter book that lauds MATH. So many books favor the library, the protagonist who loves to read or write, or other literary pursuits. (Of course, most writers WERE those kids who loved to read/write).)
Annika Riz is a likable character and loves math. Her friends demonstrate great friendship as they cheer her on in the city-wide sudoku contest and bake cookies together for their class's booth at the school carnival. Math's importance is woven into the baking fiascos and solutions nicely.
All in all, a solid chapter book.
Annika Riz is a likable character and loves math. Her friends demonstrate great friendship as they cheer her on in the city-wide sudoku contest and bake cookies together for their class's booth at the school carnival. Math's importance is woven into the baking fiascos and solutions nicely.
All in all, a solid chapter book.
June 10, 2015
A shorter chapter book sprinkled with illustrations and a likable math-loving character. I liked this one better than the first Franklin School Friends book where the reading competition left a bad taste in my mouth. Here dueling story lines include a city-wide sudoku contest and the run-up to the beloved school carnival. I look forward to the next book that will focus on Izzy who likes to run.
August 19, 2014
bookaday #132. Easier chapter book about girl who loves math and sudoku puzzles. Not sure how sudoku is math, seems more like patterns to me. I liked the subplot of the cookie baking mishaps.
August 20, 2014
I enjoyed how math was integrated into everyday life: cooking, teaching her dog, Prime, to count (or not), Sudoku. Great story to show the importance of math without being preachy!
June 20, 2014
Annika Riz is a math whiz, only her friends cannot stand math class. When a sudoku contest comes to the library, she knows that she can prove to her friends that math can be cool if she wins. I completely connected with Annika, having loved math when I was in elementary and middle school. I also grew up with a math family, only not to the extreme of having numerical decorations all over her house. I love the mix of baking and how it connects to math in this story. I think anyone who has messed up a batch of cookies will laugh at the several attempts the girls make at making them for their school carnival.
I also love the point the teacher makes towards the end of the book, that everyone shows their enthusiasm in different ways. I think this relates to every part of the story as Annika laments that her friends don’t appreciate the thing she loves as much as she does. Even worse, they dread learning math.
One of my other favorite parts of this book was when Annika tried to teach her dog how to count with the aide of dog treats. She often gave him the reward even when he did not bark or tap his paw the correct amount of times. Overall, I really loved this story and I think young readers will relate to their own favorite topic of learning, even if it’s not math.
Verdict:
The Franklin School Friends is definitely a series I will be recommending to my 3rd graders.
I also love the point the teacher makes towards the end of the book, that everyone shows their enthusiasm in different ways. I think this relates to every part of the story as Annika laments that her friends don’t appreciate the thing she loves as much as she does. Even worse, they dread learning math.
One of my other favorite parts of this book was when Annika tried to teach her dog how to count with the aide of dog treats. She often gave him the reward even when he did not bark or tap his paw the correct amount of times. Overall, I really loved this story and I think young readers will relate to their own favorite topic of learning, even if it’s not math.
Verdict:
The Franklin School Friends is definitely a series I will be recommending to my 3rd graders.
June 19, 2014
ARC from publisher
I enjoy math, but reading is definitely has more of my heart so I wasn't sure how this book would work for me. I actually enjoyed Annika Riz more than the first in the series though. Again, some of the decisions of the educators in the book had me frowning, but not as much as in Kelsey Green.
Annika's house is filled with math since her father is a high school math teacher and her mother is an accountant. They even have a dog they named Prime after prime numbers, which Annika explains for readers. The salt and pepper shakers in the shape of three and four were also a nice touch.
Another part that I enjoyed was the baking fiascos. I spend a lot of time baking cookies and have had all kinds of disasters over the years. The girls have many chances to make the cookies, but each time they find some new way to mix things up. Like in the first book, readers see plenty of third-grade drama with school, friendship and keeping perspective as main themes.
I am a runner, so I look forward to reading the book that will highlight Izzy. There aren't a whole lot of books out there for younger readers that focus on running. It's nice to have another series for young readers.
This review was originally posted on my blog at http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2014/06...
I enjoy math, but reading is definitely has more of my heart so I wasn't sure how this book would work for me. I actually enjoyed Annika Riz more than the first in the series though. Again, some of the decisions of the educators in the book had me frowning, but not as much as in Kelsey Green.
Annika's house is filled with math since her father is a high school math teacher and her mother is an accountant. They even have a dog they named Prime after prime numbers, which Annika explains for readers. The salt and pepper shakers in the shape of three and four were also a nice touch.
Another part that I enjoyed was the baking fiascos. I spend a lot of time baking cookies and have had all kinds of disasters over the years. The girls have many chances to make the cookies, but each time they find some new way to mix things up. Like in the first book, readers see plenty of third-grade drama with school, friendship and keeping perspective as main themes.
I am a runner, so I look forward to reading the book that will highlight Izzy. There aren't a whole lot of books out there for younger readers that focus on running. It's nice to have another series for young readers.
This review was originally posted on my blog at http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2014/06...
June 30, 2014
The Franklin School Friends series focuses on the friendships between three girls, Kelsey, Annika, and Izzy. The first book focuses on Kelsey and her love of reading, the second book, which I'm reviewing here focuses on Annika and her love of math, and the third book, will be about Izzy and her love of running.
Annika loves math and doesn't understand why others have such a hard time with it. When her teacher tells her about a sudoku contest she eagerly starts preparing to face the other third graders in the area. Simon, a boy in her class who is seemingly good at everything, is her special nemesis. In addition, Annika's class is getting reading to host a cookie booth at the upcoming PTA fundraising carnival. But despite their best efforts, the cookies don't turn out quite right and they end up trying lemonade instead. Can Annika's math skills help her class? Can her love of math shine through in the contest?
Another cute book by Mills that highlights the value of math and the fact that kids can be friends even with different interests. I especially liked how Annika's math skills saved the day. A fun read for children who like realistic stories with determined main characters.
Annika loves math and doesn't understand why others have such a hard time with it. When her teacher tells her about a sudoku contest she eagerly starts preparing to face the other third graders in the area. Simon, a boy in her class who is seemingly good at everything, is her special nemesis. In addition, Annika's class is getting reading to host a cookie booth at the upcoming PTA fundraising carnival. But despite their best efforts, the cookies don't turn out quite right and they end up trying lemonade instead. Can Annika's math skills help her class? Can her love of math shine through in the contest?
Another cute book by Mills that highlights the value of math and the fact that kids can be friends even with different interests. I especially liked how Annika's math skills saved the day. A fun read for children who like realistic stories with determined main characters.
May 7, 2014
(Grades 2-4) Each of the books in the Franklin School Friends series tells the story of a different third-grade student with a passion for a school subject. I was excited to read Annika Riz's story because she is a math whiz---and I love math! Annika looks at the world through math-tinted glasses, and she wants everyone to love the subject as much as she does. She even attempts to teach her dog, Prime, how to count. I found the story to be so very charming. Annika is an endearing character who will resonate with many kids (and adults). Her energy and enthusiasm is refreshing. I suspect that readers will appreciate math much more by the end of this book. This series would be a great addition to elementary school classrooms. Series books are a big step in many students' journey to becoming avid readers. Most adult readers list series books as a major part of their reading identities, so I am a strong advocate of having these texts available to students.
June 17, 2014
Part of the Franklin School Friends series focusing on different characters with their own particular strengths, this one follows Annika Riz who loves math. The third grader can't understand why her friends don't share her fondness for the subject or at least appreciate its importance in daily life. She figures winning a city-wide Sudoku tournament will change their minds. Meanwhile, the girls make mistake after mistake while trying to bake cookies and fix lemonade for the school carnival. I liked how in the end, the need to know math for practical matters is highlighted. This is a good, solid addition to the series that highlights the importance of individuality even with the class's teacher, Mrs. Molina, who demonstrates that there are different ways to enjoy the carnival and make a contribution.
May 31, 2014
My thoughts on Franklin School Friends book series, Annika Riz, Math Whiz by Claudia Mills, pictures by Rob Shepperson:
I couldn’t wait to read this book because I loved Kelsey Green Reading Machine, every minute of it… so getting to go back to school with Kelsey’s friend Annika was lovely. It was quite amusing to read about one character who is fixated on math from enjoying math class to working on Sudoku life lessons was perfect. I especially enjoyed how natural math problems were solved throughout the book and also how persistent Annika was trying to train her dog to perform math problems, quite the humorous element… I’d partner this book with the fantastic fantasy Numbed! by David Lubar.
I couldn’t wait to read this book because I loved Kelsey Green Reading Machine, every minute of it… so getting to go back to school with Kelsey’s friend Annika was lovely. It was quite amusing to read about one character who is fixated on math from enjoying math class to working on Sudoku life lessons was perfect. I especially enjoyed how natural math problems were solved throughout the book and also how persistent Annika was trying to train her dog to perform math problems, quite the humorous element… I’d partner this book with the fantastic fantasy Numbed! by David Lubar.
March 23, 2015
Annika Riz is a third-grader at Franklin Elementary School. She is in Mrs. Molina's class with her best friends, Kelsey and Izzy. Annika LOVES math, even though her friends hate it! And when her teacher informs her of an upcoming Sudoku contest at the local library, Annika can't wait to compete! She wants to finally prove that math is cool, once and for all! But will her classmate Simon defeat her in the contest? Will Mrs. Molina allow herself to be dunked at the upcoming school Carnival?
This is such a charming book! I can't wait to read the other books in the series, about Annika's best friends, Kelsey Green (Reading Queen) and Izzy Barr (Running Star). I will be ordering those for the library as well!
There are a few illustrations throughout the book, as well.
This is such a charming book! I can't wait to read the other books in the series, about Annika's best friends, Kelsey Green (Reading Queen) and Izzy Barr (Running Star). I will be ordering those for the library as well!
There are a few illustrations throughout the book, as well.
April 25, 2015
Claudia Mills really knows how to write a story in the perspective of a middle grade student. She has an awesome way of showing the positive attributes of each student. I am also impressed with her writing of the friendships between the girls. They are supportive of each other, but everything isn't all perfect.
If you have a person in your life who is looking for books to read - Claudia Mills has several that I can recommend. Kelsey Green, Reading Queen and Zero Tolerance are both great! She has written several others too.
More reviews at Ope's Opinions.com
If you have a person in your life who is looking for books to read - Claudia Mills has several that I can recommend. Kelsey Green, Reading Queen and Zero Tolerance are both great! She has written several others too.
More reviews at Ope's Opinions.com
July 4, 2016
Annika Riz loves math more than anything. She's trying to teach her dog, Prime, to count. She's determined to beat fellow math whiz Simon Ellis in a Sudoku contest at the public library. She even sleeps under number-patterned sheets. But Annika's best friends Kelsey and Izzy think math is boring. All they care about is the upcoming school carnival: their principal is going to be dunked in a dunking tank and their class is going to have a booth selling home-baked cookies. But then disaster foils the friends' cookie-baking plans. Can math save the day?
August 1, 2015
One day in school Annika's teacher tells the class that in the public library they are having a soduku contest.The other thing is that there is an upcoming school carnival.
When Annika does the soduku contest her time is 14 minutes.The carnival is on the same day as the soduku contest.At the carnival in their lemonade booth, Annika
sees the librarian in line.She asks her if she won and she did win.But then she asks her how many kids did it and she was the only one.
When Annika does the soduku contest her time is 14 minutes.The carnival is on the same day as the soduku contest.At the carnival in their lemonade booth, Annika
sees the librarian in line.She asks her if she won and she did win.But then she asks her how many kids did it and she was the only one.
September 5, 2016
I haven't loved many of these younger-reader books from my most recent Iowa Children's Choice reading list, but this one was pretty great. I love that Annika is a girl who loves (and is good at) math. I love that her best friends love reading and sports, respectively, and that they all get along and appreciate what the others love. It's a pretty simple story, but there are lots of good lessons about friendship, success and failure, and taking chances.
September 10, 2014
Math lovers will cheer for Annika, just as her friends do.
Good read for intermediate readers.
Now I look forward to reading the book that focuses on the third friend, Izzy. I like that the books each focus on one of the friends, but it's not necessary to read them in any particular order.
Good read for intermediate readers.
Now I look forward to reading the book that focuses on the third friend, Izzy. I like that the books each focus on one of the friends, but it's not necessary to read them in any particular order.
November 8, 2014
I love kids' books with math puzzles. How can I fault a chapter book series for promoting sudoku to girls? That's awesome right there. Also included is the importance of measuring. Okay, it's a little too sweet, and the friendships a little too perfect, but... math!
Want to read
December 28, 2013I think this looks like a good book but the summary is the summary for a different book so can someone tell me what this is about
July 21, 2014
Sequel to Kelsey Green, Reading Queen. Can Annika convince her friends that math is just as fun as their favorite hobbies?
July 30, 2014
I think this book will be helpful for children and Medium levels of education.
thank you so much
thank you so much
September 22, 2014
*3.5 stars*
October 29, 2014
Fun light read. Follows the Kelsey Green Reading Queen book
November 2, 2014
A book that is a cheerleader for math? This is it.
November 10, 2014
Sadly one-dimensional characters make this story tough to stomach, in spite of the pro-math message. Might be good for reluctant readers who love math and sudoku.
October 16, 2016
I read this age-appropriate book in honor or of young friend named Annnika. It's about being a good friend and being true to your true self, and about math ; )
November 1, 2016
An important lesson for us all, regardless of age, on the usefulness of knowledge in subjects/topics we may not necessarily be clambering to learn.
In a completely organic way, this story ponders this question: Are we being a friend by supplying the answers, or by teaching others how to find their own answers?
The Franklin School Friends is an engaging chapter book series that offers something for everyone. Each book features a different child with a distinct passion, and that talent is woven as a theme into the book. So no matter what their thing is, kids can find a Franklin School Friends book to enjoy. The inclusion of family and friendship dynamics elevates the books, while insuring their relevance to kids today. High-quality writing makes this a series to be sure not to miss.
In a completely organic way, this story ponders this question: Are we being a friend by supplying the answers, or by teaching others how to find their own answers?
The Franklin School Friends is an engaging chapter book series that offers something for everyone. Each book features a different child with a distinct passion, and that talent is woven as a theme into the book. So no matter what their thing is, kids can find a Franklin School Friends book to enjoy. The inclusion of family and friendship dynamics elevates the books, while insuring their relevance to kids today. High-quality writing makes this a series to be sure not to miss.
June 19, 2024
3.5 stars. This was cute but not near as good as the first one. This is about a girl who loves math. She is trying to enter a sudoku contest at the library so she practices a ton. Her whole family loves math, but her 2 best friends (Kelsey and Izzy) do not. There is a school carnival going on, but this one lacks the cohesiveness of the school contest that happens in the first. Theres not that driving direction really. In the end, she wins the sudoku contest, but she was the only one that entered!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
This is the perfect math/problem-solving book for those who are interested in math. Annika loves math and it's a story about her and her friends, who don't enjoy math as much as she, and how they problem solve to get the perfect cookies for the school carnival. Very easy-to-read and perfect for beginners.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews