Yucky! is a children's picture book that I wrote and illustrated to help young readers see mathematics in a new way. Inspired by my experiences as both a high school math teacher and a college professor of mathematics education, the book explores how the right learning experiences can transform a student's perspective. Lilly believes math is boring and frustrating until a teacher helps her discover that mathematics is about much more than numbers and calculations. As she begins to recognize patterns, think creatively, and approach problems with curiosity, she realizes that math may not be so yucky after all.
I created Yucky! to encourage conversations about positive math identity and to help students, parents, and teachers rethink what it means to learn mathematics. The book reflects many of the same ideas that guide my teaching and research: fostering curiosity, embracing creativity, and helping every student believe they can be successful in mathematics.
