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Very Bad at Math: A Graphic Novel

by Hope Larson

A campaign under pressure from math

Regular price $15.24 USD
Regular price $25.40 USD Sale price $15.24 USD
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Paperback New English

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Print BookUnavailable Hardcover $20.80 USD$34.67 USD
Print BookCurrently viewing Paperback $15.24 USD$25.40 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    2025 Nebraska Sower Nominee

    Named a 2025 Nebraska Sower nominee.

  • Editorial selection

    ALA 2026 Notable Children's Book

    Named an ALA 2026 Notable Children's Book.

  • Author recognition

    New York Times bestselling author

    Described as a New York Times bestselling author.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A campaign under pressure from math

Verity Nelson is accustomed to excelling as student body president, debate club whiz, and clarinetist, but math threatens both her grades and her campaign promises. A remedial class leads to a diagnosis of dyscalculia, which helps explain why numbers have been difficult to manage. The challenge then shifts from academic struggle to disclosure: after a podcaster exposes the gap in Verity’s polished image, she faces a choice about whether to accept the system or push for change. This middle-grade graphic novel connects learning differences with questions of privacy, reputation, and the rules that shape school life.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Middle-grade readers interested in school-centered graphic novels
  • Readers curious about dyscalculia and learning differences
  • Readers who enjoy stories involving student leadership and social pressure

Themes

Dyscalculia and learning differencesSchool expectationsPrivacy and reputationLeadership and institutional change

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

An ALA 2026 Notable Children's Book

From New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning author Hope Larson comes a middle grade graphic novel full of hijinks, unexpected friendships, and pizza, perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Kayla Miller.

Verity "Very" Nelson can do it all.

She's student body president, debate club whiz, and first chair clarinetist. You could say she's pretty much the best at everything...Well, almost everything. Everything except math.

And it's not like she doesn't try. Math just doesn't make sense in her brain. But it better start soon, or else she can kiss her presidency--and her campaign promises--goodbye. Soon Verity finds herself enrolled in a remedial math class where, despite her best efforts, failure persists. All seems lost until a teacher helps her discover the truth: Verity has dyscalculia, a learning disability that causes her to mix up numbers.

Armed with a new diagnosis and improved grades, Verity is confident her math struggles will remain secret. But when a gossipy podcaster dismantles her perfect image, Verity must choose: remain part of a broken system or fight to fix it.

A Children's Book Council Hot Off the Press Feature!
A 2025 Nebraska Sower Nominee!

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