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Isobel Adds It Up

Literal problem-solving is part of every school day, and in this charmer, Isobel, a young Black girl, is eager to add, subtract, multiply, and divide her way to completing her homework. Clouds of numbers, symbols, graphs, and equations billow from her busy brain and dance across the page. Then Isobel is distracted by the ruckus coming from her new neighbors. The equations in her head are abruptly replaced with theories of what is happening next door. Acrobats? Marching band? Conga line? Engaging her problem-solving skills, Isobel whips up a batch of cookies and a note for the neighbors. The results surprise even her.
Author: Written by Kristy Everington and illustrated by A.G. Ford

Discussion Questions

  • What problems does Isobel love to solve (with numbers)?
  • What non-math problem does Isobel try to solve in the story?
  • What DID YOU think was causing all the noise?
  • Does the answer surprise you?
  • What did you learn about problem solving from "Isobel Adds it Up"?