Posts Tagged cross-curricular

Coming of Age Comics:  Seven Diverse Graphic Novels

By on May 20, 2026   /   Book Lists, Fiction  
Nowadays children are confronted with adult issues and decisions daily. Social media influences, families, schools and communities expect young people to grow up fast. For many kids this passage to adulthood is fragmented and difficult. Kids love graphic novels because of the vibrant illustrations, the spot-on humor and the space between the panels which presents them with opportunities to empathize with the character’s journey. The graphic novel format which combines words and pictures is perfect for presenting readers with difficult stories. Young readers can insert their own emotions in the transitional spaces between panels. The graphic novels listed here provide readers with models of kids facing serious challenges, who with the help of supportive friends and/or family acquire adult skills and attributes.
 
 
 
 
 

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin

Being half Iranian and half Columbian leaves Sara feeling like she doesn’t belong anywhere. That, coupled with the fact that her best friend is drifting away and hair is popping up on her legs, leaves Sara untethered. She builds on her love of TV and acting and joins the drama club. This change helps her navigate puberty, overcome her identity challenges, and find community.

 

 

 

 

Curlfriends: Back in Business (sequel to New in Town) by Sharee Miller

When fashionista, honor roll student Nola asks her mother for money for a snazzy outfit to dance in at the talent show, she is surprised to get only twenty dollars. It turns out her mom’s beauty salon is in financial trouble. Nola’s dream of inheriting the family business may never come true. Even though Nora tries to keep her money troubles a secret, The Curlfriends, her sweet, supportive Black girl friends help out in unexpected ways.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Opting Out by Maia Koba and Swat “Lucky”Srikuamar

Saachi bonds over writing and drawing with her best friend Lyla, until Lyla, along with all their other friends, pair off in boy-girl couples. After Saachi gets her perios she has shifting feelings about her gender identity. Readers are privy to her identity exploration through internal monologues, journal entries and poetry. Her parents and sister are refreshingly supportive of Sacchi’s internal journey. After visiting a Hindu temple, her Appa affirms, “change is a part of life.”

 

 

 

 
 

Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimenta

Ave’s recent move from Mexicali to Kansas with her mother and brother has her missing her father and sister. Her stress is compounded by the fact that speaking English is a struggle. While coping with separation across family, borders and cultures Ave connects with new friends and reconnects with her faraway family members.

 

 

 

Outsider Kids (sequel to Parachute Kids) by Betty C. Tang

It has been seven months since Anna’s (Feng-Ling’s) parents left her and her siblings alone in California while they returned to Taiwan to await visas. She has begun to get a taste of American life, including trick or treating with friends on Halloween and eating turkey with them on Thanksgiving. But when her cousin Josephine – violin prodigy – comes to stay, Anna’s world is turned upside down. Being underage and undocumented makes Anna and her siblings extremely vulnerable. Resilience and community join forces to support them in their time of need.

 

Fruitcake (Four Eyes series, volume 3) by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza

Set in the 1980’s. It is the beginning of Rex’s eighth grade year and he is feeling excluded while all his friends are pairing up. He remedies the situation when he meets Charlotte, who he begins to date. Meanwhile, he can’t help thinking about his longtime friend Drew – constantly. This novel explores the middle school world of striving to fit in, crushes and poor self-image, Nina, Rex’s cool goth friend helps him to understand his gay identity and inspires him to be proud of who he is.

 

 

 

Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr. (warning: this novel includes mentions of attempted suicide)

Tony Weaver gets severely bullied at school for being a nerd – to the point where he felt that “disappearing would best for everyone. An end to my pain and theirs.” There are no depictions of Tony’s attempted suicide, or descriptions of method, but his emotional pain is shown on the page. His parents step up to find him a wonderful therapist and a new school. It takes time for Tony to heal, but through the superpowers of new friends in the Literature Club, and the larger than life heroes of his comics books, anime and video games, he learns to embrace his identity.

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STEM Tuesday– Math– Writing Tips & Resources

By on May 19, 2026   /   Math, STEM Tuesday  

MATH (AND WRITING) IS FOR EVERYONE!

As the some of the books in this month’s book list mention, there is a persistent myth that some people are inherently good at math. Others are not. This usually comes hand-in-hand with a narrow idea of what math is and isn’t.

These myths are mirrored in writing. Some people “are writers” while others are not. “Real” writing is serious and lengthy.

But the truth is that math and writing are both skill sets anyone can learn with patience and persistence. Whether we recognize it or not, we all have our own relationships to both math and writing, our own ways of seeing them. And both are EVERYWHERE!

You can find math in the kitchen, supermarket, even the garden: just look at the many patterns of petals beginning to bloom! Writing can be found on signs and in emails, bumper stickers, blogs, and beyond!

This month we’re focusing on finding our way into writing and math through writing about math.

Math is Everywhere

Here are books that demonstrate the ways that math connects with other subjects, as well as the creative ways that different authors present a topic. What might sound like a single topic—math—is actually incredibly diverse, as these books demonstrate. Each author writes about math from their own unique angle, combining subjects and bringing their own writing style to their book.

Cover of "Adventures in Math"

Math and your mind:

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game by Carleigh Wu and Sean Simpson focuses on how our mindset shapes our relationship to math. This math book emerged from the author’s unique background as a teacher and math coach. Following illustrated characters as they venture into the jungle (of math), this colorful book is all about using curiosity and a growth mindset to level up your math game. Punchy, relatable text and an engaging voice weaves together real people doing amazing things with math, inspiring quotes, and exercises that speak directly to readers.

 

 

Cover of "The Book of Math"

Math and social studies:

The Book of Math: Adventures in the World of Shapes and Numbers by Anna Weltman and Paul Boston takes readers on a tour of dozens of moments in math across history and around the globe. Each two-page spread covers a fun and interesting math-related topic using discussion questions, short paragraphs, questions and answers, and other writing styles. Visuals including maps, timelines, labelled diagrams, and illustrations of the concepts complement the words and showcase the writer’s decisions regarding which combination of words and images best conveys each concept.

Cover of "Which One Doesn't Belong?"

Math and play:

Which One Doesn’t Belong? Playing with Shapes by Christopher Danielson shows the creative possibilities and elegant simplicity that arise when a creator selects one concept they’re passionate about and goes deep. This book takes a simple question—which shape doesn’t belong?—and in each spread, offers increasingly challenging sets of shapes. Readers can use their analytical and argumentative skills to decide which shape doesn’t match the others. The limited yet clear and encouraging words in this book show how clarity of thought is more important than verbosity.

Cover of "Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and other animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities"

Math and animals:

Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities by Stephanie Gibeault and Jaclyn Sinquett explores fundamental math concepts through surprising animal behavior and by unpacking the scientific studies that prove humans aren’t the only ones using math. Learn how to design scientific experiments, read interviews with the scientists behind the discoveries, and collect amazing animal facts… all through math! Would it surprise you to learn this author has a background as a biologist, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer?

 

An example from Our Own Kamilla:
Math and a Change Maker: Bringing a mathematician to life

Each of these authors made a personal connection to the material, exploring unique aspects under the big umbrella of math, and writing about it in their own creative and engaging way. By drawing on their own interests and skills, anyone can find a way to write themselves into the world of math.

MARYAM MIRZAKHANI, First Woman to Win the Fields Medal in Mathematics in 2014 by Kamilla Milligan
. Maryam.
Seeker.
Problem-solver.
Devotee of beauty.
 Maryam pursued truth
 from Tehran to Stanford
, in books and proofs,
classrooms,
 conversations, 
doodling on the floor. 
Maryam
 unveiled magical connections 
across the curves of space and time,
 bridging fields 
to win the Fields Medal—
bending the arc of possibility
 for us to follow.

One of us (Kamilla) recently did just this. I drew on my Persian cultural heritage and long-time interest in the accomplished Persian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani to write a submission to Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords children’s writing contest.

Researching for this story allowed me to read about her life and mathematical achievements to understand both the technical details and the significance of her mathematical discoveries as well as who she was as a person. While I didn’t fully understand her mathematical work (massive understatement!!), I gained more appreciation for the diversity within mathematics, the creative questions it inspires, and the significance of the Fields Medal.

I played around with many different details from Maryam’s life, creating different versions as I selected key images and themes to frame the significance of her accomplishments. Writing this poem and choosing what elements to include was creatively satisfying and also cemented my curiosity about higher mathematics.

Now You Try!

Take a moment to notice at least 3 examples of where math and writing overlap:

Option 1: Start with Your Heart

  • What do you care about? What matters to you?
  • How does that intersect with math?

Option 2: Look at Your Daily Life

  • Where do math and writing show up in your life?
  • What kinds of math and writing are YOU drawn to?

Note: If you work with students, consider using resources that showcase the broad spectrum of ways that math shows up in our lives, and the diverse people and cultures who have played a significant role in the development and use of math. With encouragement, everyone can find at least one entry-point. And as they explore this personal connection, you may see a shift in how they relate to the discipline of math—a stronger sense of connection, which is as important for success as mastery of any specific concept.

Now write:

Write a 50-word interdisciplinary story about math and (at least) one other subject area.

Use any writing style or approach that works for you and your topic: prose, rhyme, free-verse…illustrated, comic-style, text-only…”silly or serious” (from the #50PreciousWords guidelines by Vivian Kirkfield)–writer’s choice. Look for inspiration among this year’s contest winners.

Bios

Kamilla Milligan is a kidlit writer who explores themes of home, connection with nature, and cultural diversity in her stories. Kamilla has lived in Canada, the southern US, and Russia, and applies her PhD in education to her work in equity and human rights. Outside of reading, Kamilla enjoys gardening, fibre projects, and nature walks. Visit Kamilla online at kamillamilligan.com

Alexandra Millarhouse is a researcher, science communication professional, and writer focused on the intersection of nature, science, and self. Her debut picture book, THE ANIMAL QUEENDOM, comes out in 2027 with Simon & Schuster, followed by an unannounced picture book in 2028. Living in Vermont, Alexandra is often tracking wildlife across a cemetery, or sitting by the water with a sketchbook. Visit Alexandra online at: https://www.foxandindigo.com/

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STEM Tuesday– Math– In the Classroom

By on May 12, 2026   /   Math, STEM Tuesday  

 

You might not realize it, but we use math every day! We use math when playing games, sharing snacks, telling time, shopping, and building things. In these books, readers can practice mathematical tips and strategies, solve logic puzzles, learn about inspirational mathematicians, and more. They make a great starting point for classroom discussion and activities!

 

Cover of the book Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities by Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett

This book explores the remarkable mathematical abilities of five animals: guppies, hyenas, African grey parrots, chimpanzees, and honeybees. This 2025 Mathical Honor Book provides a window into how scientists study animal behavior and number skills. Readers are sure to be fascinated that fish can distinguish between large and small quantities; African grey parrots can represent numbers with symbols; chimpanzees can add; honeybees understand the concept of zero; and hyenas count.

Classroom Activity – Animal Math Research Posters

Some animals have amazing math skills! To learn more, students can work in small groups to research one animal from the book. Students can take what they learned and create a poster explaining the animal’s math skill, how scientists studied it, and why the discovery is important. Students can include diagrams, number facts, and illustrations in their poster presentation.

 

Cover of the book Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts: An Introduction to Infographics Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts: An Introduction to Infographics, written by Stuart J. Murphy and illustrated by Teresa Bellón

This book is an excellent introductory guide that shows how to collect and display information using eye-catching, easy-to-interpret line graphs, bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts. It’s perfect for children interested in surveys, organizing and interpreting data, and visually representing their findings for others.

Classroom Activity – Classroom Infographic Survey Project

After learning about graphs and charts, it’s time for students to make their own! First, have students conduct a class survey on a topic such as favorite snacks, pets, or hobbies. Students organize the data into bar graphs, pie charts, or pictographs and then create colorful infographics to present their findings to the class.

 

Cover of the book Do the Math!: Challenging, Fun Math Puzzles for KidsDo the Math!: Challenging, Fun Math Puzzles for Kids, by Steven and Jessica Clontz

This book offers a plethora of puzzles for readers to complete while working on core math skills. Through clear instructions and a variety of activities, the reader develops logical thinking skills as they solve different types of puzzles one chapter at a time.

 

Cover of the Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids series

Choose different levels of fun puzzles and games to develop spatial reasoning, math skills, and focus in the Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids series. In each book, the puzzles increase in difficulty to maintain motivation.

 

Cover of the book Perfectly Logical!: Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids Perfectly Logical!: Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids by Jenn Larson

This book of logic puzzles and games focuses on developing skills such as abstract reasoning and processing speed.

 

 

Classroom Activity – Logic Puzzle Stations

Create rotating stations using different types of logic puzzles, inspired by Do the Math!, Perfectly Logical!, and the Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids series. Each station focuses on a different skill, such as spatial reasoning, number patterns, riddles, or deductive thinking. Students work individually or in pairs to solve the puzzles and explain their reasoning. Finish with a class discussion about different problem-solving strategies.

 

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Carla Mooney loves to explore the world around us and discover the details about how it works. An award-winning author of numerous nonfiction science books for kids and teens, she hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of science in today’s young people. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and dog. Find her at http://www.carlamooney.com, on Facebook @carlamooneyauthor, or on Instagram @moonwriter25

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