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Super Max and the Math Menace: A book about finding the hero within to overcome anxiety when faced with the unexpected

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A Math Menace can strike at any moment, but has it messed with the wrong students this time?And it has set its sights set on Room 23!

Disguised as a surprise test ready to ruin the day, the Math Menace wreaks havoc throughout the class. Anxiety grips Max's friends and chaos ensues as they feel unprepared to pass this test.

Her words shook the room like a hard boom of thunder,And filled it with chaos, confusion, and wonder.Panicked, the students became really scared,Then Ivan yelled out, “I feel so unprepared!”

But Max has a little secret up her sleeve...she's SUPER! Max activates the super in her to help her friends overcome their test anxiety, aiming at taking down the math menace one problem at a time! But will her efforts be enough. Will Max and her friends win over their anxiety and beat the Math Menace?

This book includes Tips and Tricks to overcome anxiety section, provided by Nakeya Fields, LCSW

Readers agree…Max DOES help save the day!“The message of this story is one so many children (and adults) can relate to. Anxiety can prevent us from accomplishing our goals and it is so very important to learn how to control the symptoms."-– Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS, Host and Creator of Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog. Author of the award-winning children’s travel and adventure picture book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

"What a positive message to send kids about overcoming pressure and worry. This book is an inspiration to children that have trouble finding courage in overwhelming moments. Max put on her mask and mustered up bravery to overcome her fears. A great book for children to read right now that are needing to wear masks! ♡Highly recommend!" - Author Tina Marie Young, author of the Mystery Puzzle series



Product 8.5" by 8.5"

7 to 11, grades 2-5

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2020

9 people are currently reading
5 people want to read

About the author

Heather E. Robyn

11 books3 followers
Heather was born and raised in Southern California. If you’re wondering…yes, she says “dude” and “like” a lot, maps driving directions based on travel time rather than distance, and will never pass up having In-N-Out.

As an avid learner, she earned her Doctorate degree in Education and spent several years in Social Work helping foster youth and homeless veterans. She enjoys writing books to help children and family on subjects ranging from overcoming anxiety to combating bullying with kindness.

She currently lives in the Bay Area with her amazing teenage children, her fabulous boyfriend Matt, and her cuddle beast Husky, Echo.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
1,289 reviews60 followers
May 30, 2020
Super Max and the Math Menace is a children's book by the author Heather E Robyn. Illustrator of this book is Zoe Mellors. This book is written for children of age group 7-11 years i.e. students of class 2-5.

Our biggest fear as a student was Surprise Test. Isn't it? Through this book, the author has shown how a Test Anxiety can affect student's performance in the test. Due to fear and anxiety, our mind doesn't work properly. The story starts with a girl Max reaching school and having weird feelings. Her Maths teacher Ms. Spice announced the surprise test in the class.

All the students in the class felt anxious and unprepared for the test. Super Max helped her friends by asking them to relax and assured them that they all can pass the test.

The Test Anxiety tips and tricks shared at the end of the story can help students to great extent. The message given through this story is for everyone. No matter you are young or old.

So, if you ever feel stuck and don't know what to do, search deep down inside for the hero in you.

The rhyming words, the illustrations, the story telling skill, etc all add up to make this a great book for children. The cover page of the book is really attractive. The title of the book is apt. I would recommend this book to my fellow readers.
518 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2020
‘Super Max and the Math Menace’ by Heather E Robyn is a book that revolves around the students of Room No. 23 and Super Max. So, everything was going fine till now but suddenly Max finds something wrong but she is not sure what is wrong. As the students reach their classroom to their surprise the teacher announces a surprise math test for which no one is ready. Anxiety takes over the students of Room No. 23 but Super Max comes to their rescue. How will Super Max help these students? Will they be able to take this test and what will the students score? To know read ‘Super Max and the Math Menace’.


My Thoughts:


The plot was very good and I liked how Super Max helps the students. The thing I liked the most about this book is how it shows the children to take things positively. The other thing that I liked is how the author & the illustrator have shown inclusion in the school/classroom and the children are very friendly to each other and they are one. This message needs to be imbibed in the children from a very young age so that they treat everybody equally and respectfully which can be clearly seen in the illustrations.


The characters are well developed and I liked Max’s character a lot.



The language is simple and lucid and the narration is done beautifully. I loved the illustrations. There are tips and tricks given at the end of the book which will actually help parents and the children to perform better in their studies and test.


The cover page and the title of the book are also apt to the plot of the book. The book is short and can be completed within an hour.


Overall, I would say that this was a fun read and I would definitely recommend it to all the children.
466 reviews13 followers
June 4, 2020
Book Name- Super Max And The Math Menace
Author- Heather E. Robyn
Review- Super Max is a book which features the test anxiety which children face. Majority of the students right from the age when they begin to give tests feel anxious about how will they perform and fear exams. Surprise tests are like a nightmare for them. This behavioral pattern is seen in majority of kids because more emphasis is laid on the results than the efforts and learning process becomes boring. The book centers kids from grade 2-5 but reading it many can relive their childhood days. The plot revolves around Max and how she wishes to help out her friends to overcome the anxiety of tests. The professor steps in and announces a test which creates a sense of fear amongst the kids. It is very important that kids understand the meaning of test where they enjoy participating and lay more emphasis on their efforts and on learning. The book has a very interesting concept with fluid narration. It is very helpful for those who want to eliminate fear from the leaning process their young ones are going through and can also be a nostalgic journey for others which can take them through childhood again. It helps kids to fight anxiety and fear of tests. It is a short and delightful read.
Ratings-
Title- 4/5
Cover- 4/5
Narration- 4/5
Concept- 5/5
Overall- 4/5
Profile Image for Rutuja Ramteke.
1,969 reviews91 followers
July 31, 2020


"If you ever feel stuck and don't know what to do,
Search deep down inside for the hero in you. It can help you find answers and help others too. Be the hero you know you have living in you."
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☕This children's book tells us a story of Max who gets really anxious during a test in her school, but when she unveils her own power and the hero within her she realizes nothing is impossible and find the rest.. (It's totally worth it)
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We all feel anxious sometimes and it's easy to talk about when it comes to us adults but it's truly hard to make it understand to little brats and kids, this is one of the most amazing children's book which gives us such an important life lesson, it not just helps the kids to understand and believe the potential they have but also it talks about exam fear which is faced by almost everyone, even after knowing all of it, we tend to miss it out. Max, is such an amazing character, a super girl who is amazing and confident. Who truly believes she can do anything, every kid who read this book is going to get inspired from Max and the person she is. I am truly in love with the concept and plotline. It's a very short picture book with beautiful and fun illustrations which makes it more fun to read. Give it to your kids or read it yourself, I am sure you too will enjoy it..
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Rating: 4.75🌟
16 reviews
May 12, 2021
Many students fear having a surprise test. Throughout this book, the author shows how anxiety before a test can affect performance. This is all due to fear and anxiety our minds don't work properly. The story starts with Max arriving at school and having a strange feeling. Her math teacher announces that the class is having a surprise test. All of the students in the class are anxious and feel unprepared for the test. Super Mac helped her friends by reassuring them that they all can pass the test. The Test Anxiety tips found at the end of the story can help students calm down before a test. Anxiety is not just for the young it for all ages. Everyone at some points feels anxious about something. What matters in those moments is our response and how we handle those moments.
If you ever feel stuck and are unsure why. Be sure to muster up that part of yourself deep down that knows you are Super Max and encourage yourself that you can do it! The rhyming words on each page made the entire book flow. The illustrations were detailed, and I liked how the spotlight was placed on Max when she first found out she had to take a surprise test. I also like how in the background, there was diversity in the class. One student has a turban. I have never seen that in a book before, so I enjoyed that.
338 reviews12 followers
June 1, 2020
The book is about the story of a girl named max. Max has some secret in her life that will be reveled in the later part of the book. It was common day for the students of room no 23. Suddenly a surprise test comes of math which makes every child present in the classroom afraid from it. Will max save her friends and help her overcome from the fear? The book shows about the fear that every child have in their life. Book shows us about the girl Max what she did to save all and how she overcome from the fear. We all should trust our inner self and find the solution to the problems of life. When you face any problem in life just go to the inner hero present deep inside you for the solution. Here, we can see how a small girl trust herself and help to change everyone' fear into their success. Book is a type of children book but it has a good meaning which all can learn from it. It is very short to read. Language of the book is very lucid. The meaning present inside the book makes it a very amazing read. Here, you can overcome your fear with the help of the story of Max. To know about Max you have to read this amazing book. Transformation of Max to Supermax, showing the hero present inside her and what can that do makes the book worth reading.
Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,547 reviews155 followers
May 30, 2020
It was a good sunny day and students reached school, sitting in the Room 23 but surprisingly Ms. Spice asked everyone to put books on the floor and get ready for the Maths test. Listening to this statement have made the students panic as none have expected a surprise test.

A student named Ivan said "I feel so unprepared". Almost all the students have a feeling of worry, nervousness which is Test Anxiety that trouble students to perform well because of the lack of self confidence. But Super Max helped her friends to overcome the fear by making everyone realized their true potential and asked them to take a deep breath to feel relaxed.

Everyone felt good, motivated and ready to give the test with a cute smile on face and with a whole new positive mindset which helped students to crack the test easily! The story is good and gives a beautiful message to children. I recommend children to read such books from which they can learn a lot.

Language of the book is written in a way that children can understand it easily. Also, they can learn some new words. I enjoyed reading this book on my weekend.
Profile Image for Melina Lobo.
818 reviews94 followers
March 31, 2020
When Max's classnates in Room 23 have get anxious to take a text, Max brings out her little secret; Super Max.
Taking tests are hard on kids, that's why we have Super Max.
She knows what to do during stressful situations and is here to help.
🦄🦄🦄
In Super Max and the Math Menace, an illustrated children's book written by Heather Robyn and illustrated by Zoe Mellors, kids can learn how to be calm and have a clear mind during a test (especially math).
Usually in books like these to teach kids things around this topic, a concept needs to be explained through a character's perspective to get them to understand.
The main tips and tricks to help with test anxiety are at the end of the book, after the story is over and would have been more effective to get kids to understand them (especially those who are younger and can't comprehend certain concepts yet) if they were included in the story.
Overall, a good book with a great story to help kids and very beautiful illustrations but may require a little bit more work.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
Profile Image for Alison Klakowicz.
26 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2020
“So, if you ever feel stuck and don’t know what to do, search deep down inside for the hero in you. It can help you find answers and help others too. Be the hero you know you have living in you.”

The message of this story is one so many children (and adults) can relate to. Anxiety can prevent us from accomplishing our goals; and it is so very important to learn how to control the symptoms.

The beautiful and vivid illustrations help keep the reader engaged as well as intrigued. The book also includes a wonderful guide that includes tips and tricks to overcome test anxiety.

If ever there were a time to teach healthy coping skills when it comes to a child’s education and self-esteem it is now when considering the many factors in play in the world that can have a negative affect on child development.

Heather Robyn, thanks for this wonderful book!

-Alison Paul Klakowicz, author of Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck
195 reviews14 followers
May 31, 2020
Wonderful book by the author Heather E Robyn and Illustrator Zoe Mellors. This book is for kids of age 7-11 years. The book discusses the concept of Text Anxiety that is faced by 40% children. I remember as a kid I also have fear of giving tests and passing them.

This book helps kids to overcome this fear of test or unexpected situations in life. This book will help them to give their best by staying confident about themselves.

We all have power to do something big in our life but our fear stops us from growing. After reading this book, I have decided to trust myself and leave all my fears behind. I was amazed to read this book as I haven't thought that a children book can also give a strong message to adults.

A must read book by not only children but also by youngsters. Great work by the author and I hadn't found any flaw in the book.
Profile Image for Madhura.
1,186 reviews47 followers
May 31, 2020
Super Max is a beautifully sketched script of school kids fun and fears. Surprise test and mathematics two villains of school days (this goes to all school goers), the writer has knotted a sweet story with these two villains.

Max a sweet and confident student begins her Friday with dreams for the weekend but after reaching school she feels somewhere disturbed, she feels the presence of problem. After their (school kids') their math teacher Mrs. Spice enters with the problem - Test. The class kids were not prepared for it, now Super Max enters giving moral support and strength to take the test. 

Comics after many years, I myself was surprised picking one. And after readingi was happy to meet my childhood again. This is what ever reader will feel after reading this wonderful little book. If you think the story it good you will be surprised by the cartoons.
Profile Image for Monika Singla.
374 reviews24 followers
May 30, 2020
Super Max and the Math Menace is an interesting book for children. This book helps children to realize their inner power. 🎭🎭

With the help of a short story, author is giving a strong message to children. The super hero kid of the story is Super Max. One day, the Maths teacher announced a surprise test in the class and all the kids got scared after hearing this. They all got worried that they may fail the test. At this time, Max became 'Super Max' and helped her classmates. Will they be able to pass the test? Read this short and interesting story. 🎭🎭

The pictures in the book makes it more interesting to read. This is a short story that school kids will definitely love. I read this with my nephew and he really enjoyed it. Looking forward to read more of author's work. 🎭🎭

My Rating: 4.3/5
Profile Image for Jessica  Brown.
68 reviews6 followers
May 30, 2020
The students reached to the school and sit happily in the Room 23 like a regular school day but no one knew that math menace have some other plans and gonna shook the entire class with a surprise Maths test. As expected after hearing that test is today only , Max's friends felt helpless thinking that they might fail in the test.

But do Super Max have something in store for the friends that will help everyone to pass the test?

A great message we all get from this book is that it's just about realizing our inner strength , have a self confidence and motivate others in life like Super Max did.

The book is free of errors and writing style is great. Overall it's a very good read. Parents you should definitely ask your kids to read this one.

🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚
Profile Image for Sarina Siebenaler.
Author 4 books20 followers
January 30, 2021
Super Max Saves The Day!

I read a lot of stories to my kids. This one is beautifully written. The rhyme and meter was on point and the celebration of conquering anxiety of a math test with Max’s friends at school was both empowering and fulfilling. The illustrations are vibrant and fun too. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Carli Valentine.
Author 14 books50 followers
May 15, 2023
Test Anxiety Squashed!

This is such a relatable book for so many. I have always struggled with math and got so anxious when taking the test. Super Max gives great advice of taking a breather and relaxing and just showing what you know! I also loved the helpful tips at the end of the book too!
Profile Image for Rachel Ellyn.
Author 18 books36 followers
May 19, 2020
Adorable illustrations and rhymes. Cute book about anxiety and finding your inner strength.
Profile Image for Nikki Long.
37 reviews
July 26, 2020
Great book!

I like how she overcame her fears of taking the test and also helped others around her. Very encouraging story! Love it!
Profile Image for Kate Stead.
Author 2 books13 followers
August 6, 2020
A super helpful book for anxious kids that helps them draw on the strength inside them to get past test nerves at school
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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