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"I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless."
Psalm 101:3

Very Bad at Math

VERDICT: Recommended

Concern Level: Low

Book Cover for Very Bad at Math

Christian Parent Reviews Cross

Christian Parent Review

Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content

Refreshingly, there is not a lot of concerning content relative to what we typically see from graphic novels aimed at this age group. Below we will share the handful of things we found:

There is reference to a “Tiktoker”

A girl says she feels so connected with the 80s that she “might’ve been alive then ni a past life”

In one section over a few pages, Variety (the main character) gets really behind on sleep and gets rude and short with everyone as a result… but thankfully it is shown as wrong and it is short-lived and out of character for her.

In the background in a girl’s room there are 1-2 slightly creepy stuffed animals you can just barely see.

There is a comment that “Karma’s been dragging me all week”

A use of “OMG”

Someone comments, “Nate’s a jerk, but he’s right”

Variety complains passionately about grade minimums for student public office, “these GPA rules are stupid and cruel”. There are a few times at the end with things like this where again she seems to act out of character, such as when she yells and pushes over a boy in frustration.

Our Thoughts

We were pleasantly surprised with this one. After what we tend to find over and over in graphic novels like this today, it was so nice to see a main character that was kind and positive to nearly everyone around her. She is a really successful and hardworking student as well. On top of that, we see a nice spotlight on a career in government and related careers, and just setting goals you push for in general.

We are happy to say this is one we Recommend. Enjoy.

Plot Summary

Note: This information is typically from the publisher.

Use with caution

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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Scripture Reflection

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

— Philippians 4:8-9