Staying Connected: Friendship, Challenges, and the Stories That Help Us Understand

Join me in this episode of Reading To Connect as I sit down with Hope Larson, New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner award-winning cartoonist, to talk about her new middle-grade graphic novel, Very Bad at Math.

We dive into the power of shared reading experiences, the impact of learning differences like dyscalculia, and how books can help kids feel seen. Hope opens up about her personal struggles with math, the pressure of perfectionism, and how her own experiences shaped Verity, the book’s protagonist. We also explore friendship dynamics in middle school, the challenges of asking for help, and why kids' interests—including comics and pop culture—are key to connection.

What You’ll Learn:

📚 How shared reading (even with older kids) creates powerful bonding moments🧠 What dyscalculia is and how it impacts kids—and why stories like Very Bad at Math matter💡 How books can help kids navigate friendship struggles, self-doubt, and big emotions🎨 The role of comics and graphic novels in engaging reluctant readers

This episode is a reminder that books are more than just stories—they’re tools for understanding ourselves, each other, and the world. Very Bad at Math isn’t just about struggling with numbers; it’s about learning to ask for help, embracing your strengths, and knowing that you are more than your struggles.

Let me know what moments stood out to you! 📚💕

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