Frankie Pickle and the Mathematical Menace



Last updated Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Author: Eric Wright
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 1416989722
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2019

Synopsis: Frankie's facing his greatest challenge yet: his MATH QUIZ. He'd rather live in a world without math, but his quiz has other plans. It transports him to Arithmecca, a world filled with horrible number monsters! Armed with only his pencil, Frankie must learn to divide and conquer if he's going to ace his quiz and defeat THE MATHEMATICAL MENACE.

Note to readers:
•  Frankie is good at math, better than he realizes. But when he has to take a test, his brain goes blank.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How do you feel about your math classes? Do you like or dislike math? Is it eas or hard for you?
•  What do you do when you have to take a test of any kind?
•  How do you overcome your anxiety about taking a test?

Vocabulary
•  torture - the action or practice of inflicting severe pain on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something, or for the pleasure of the person inflicting the pain. synonyms; infliction of pain, abuse, torment;
•  postponed - past tense: postponed; past participle: postponed. cause or arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled.
•  mathematical - relating to mathematics. Having to do with the use of numbers in counting and calculation.
•  menace - a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger; a person or thing that causes trouble or annoyance.
•  anxiety - a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. The opposite of calmness or serenity.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How do you do during a test? Do you do well or does your brain "go blank" like Frankie? What subjects are hardest and easiest for you?
•  Have you ever made up a story to "cover" yourself when you did something wrong?

Craft ideas:
•  Make creatures out of numbers like Frankie does
•  Make up a story like Frankie does. Be outrageous.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2019/frankie-pickle-and-the-mathematical-menace/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!