Erin McEwan, Your Days Are Numbered

A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with a school subject, especially math, and is starting to feel defined by that struggle. It's for the child who says "I'm just bad at this" and whose confidence is suffering. The story follows sixth-grader Erin McEwan, who is on the verge of failing math. She takes a job at a local deli to earn money for a bike, but unexpectedly finds herself in charge of the bookkeeping. Through this real-world application, she begins to understand numbers in a new way, building both her skills and her self-worth. This humorous and heartwarming book tackles themes of academic anxiety, perseverance, and finding confidence in unexpected places. Appropriate for ages 9 to 12, it's a wonderful way to show a child that learning happens everywhere, not just in the classroom, and that a single challenge doesn't determine their overall ability or intelligence.