I am frequently asked for book recommendations and for practice problems to increase math fluency. Here are a list of some of my favorite resources.

MATH PRACTICE RESOURCES

• Art of Problem Solving (offline/online)

  I am a huge fan of the problem-solving curriculum. Although I haven’t experienced their classes firsthand, their books truly challenge students’ higher-order thinking skills. The problems encourage deep reasoning and creativity, pushing learners to think beyond routine methods and develop strong analytical abilities. These resources are excellent for anyone looking to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills and to prepare effectively for math competitions.

• Delta Math (online)

  Delta Math comes highly recommended by my peers across the country, and although I have limited personal experience with it, I really appreciate the immediate feedback it provides. The program offers a robust number of problems per concept, which helps reinforce learning through ample practice. This combination of timely responses and focused exercises makes it a valuable tool for students to build skills and confidence in math.

• Kuta Software (online)

  I like Kuta Software for its free worksheets that come with answer keys and its easy-to-navigate interface. It’s a great resource for students who need extra practice, offering clear, targeted problems that help reinforce math skills effectively.

•  IXL (online)

  I know many kids don’t enjoy IXL, especially because of its grading system, which can sometimes feel frustrating. However, I believe that when realistic goals are set, IXL’s detailed explanations and instructional videos become incredibly helpful. The platform offers clear guidance that supports learning and helps students understand concepts deeply, making it a valuable tool when used thoughtfully.

• Khan Academy (online)

  I know many kids have some PTSD from using Khan Academy during COVID, but I still love it. It’s completely free and offers an incredible range of videos that cover so many topics in detail. Beyond everyday learning, it’s also an amazing resource for SAT prep, making it a versatile tool for students at various levels.

• ALEKS (online)

  I love the ALEKS math program for its effective spiral review approach that continually reinforces concepts throughout the year. Unlike traditional programs that move on quickly, ALEKS ensures students revisit and master foundational skills while introducing new material, which helps solidify understanding and build long-term retention. This personalized, adaptive platform keeps learners engaged by targeting their specific needs and pacing progress accordingly. It’s an excellent tool for both remediation and enrichment, making math learning more thorough and confidence-building.

• Big Fat Notebooks (offline)

  I love the Big Fat Notebooks math series because they perfectly summarize each subject with clear explanations and helpful visuals, making complex concepts easy to understand. The student-friendly layout breaks down topics into manageable sections, and the practice problems provide great opportunities to reinforce learning without feeling overwhelming. Plus, the books are compact and easy to travel with, making them a fantastic offline resource for homework help or independent study anywhere. Overall, they’re an excellent tool to boost both confidence and mastery in math.

DYSCALCULIA RESOURCES

• Dyscalculia Headlines

• Adult Dyscalculia

• Dyscalculia Services

PARENTING/EDUCATION BOOKS

• “ADHD 2.0” by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.

  As a middle school educator, I found ADHD 2.0 to be incredibly insightful and practical. Hallowell and Ratey blend scientific research with decades of clinical experience in a way that feels both accessible and hopeful. What stands out is their compassionate reframing of ADHD—not as a disorder, but as a different mode of brain wiring with its own strengths and vulnerabilities.

  The book dives into the neuroscience behind ADHD, particularly focusing on the “default mode network” and “task-positive network,” concepts that helped me better understand why my students with ADHD often struggle with transitions, focus, and emotional regulation. The authors also offer actionable strategies that are realistic for the classroom, such as movement-based learning, routines that build dopamine, and tools to reduce shame and anxiety.

  Perhaps most importantly, the tone of the book is optimistic without being naïve. It acknowledges the very real challenges of ADHD while also celebrating the creativity, empathy, and resilience that often accompany it. I’ve already started applying several ideas from the book to better support my students, and I’m recommending it to colleagues and parents alike.

  ADHD 2.0 is a must-read for educators who want to deepen their understanding of ADHD and build classrooms that support neurodiverse learners with empathy and effectiveness.

• “UNTANGLED” by Dr. Lisa Damour

  As both a parent and a teacher, few books have resonated with me as deeply as Untangled by Dr. Lisa Damour. Grounded in research and filled with relatable stories, this book offers a compassionate and practical roadmap for understanding the complex journey of adolescent girls as they transition into adulthood.

  Damour organizes the book around seven developmental strands — such as “Parting with Childhood,” “Contending with Adult Authority,” and “Entering the Romantic World” — and each chapter skillfully blends psychology, real-life examples, and actionable advice. From a parenting perspective, Untangled helped me to step back and see the bigger picture. It reassured me that pushback, moodiness, and shifting social circles aren’t signs of failure, but signs that my daughter is doing exactly what she should be doing: growing up. As a teacher, the book gave me new insight into how to support my students with empathy while maintaining boundaries and structure in the classroom.

  Damour’s tone is warm, wise, and never judgmental. She doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but she offers a steady, informed voice that empowers adults to be both supportive and realistic. I found myself highlighting passages on nearly every page — not just for guidance, but for the comfort of knowing I’m not alone in the challenges I face. My husband read the book as well, and we often refer back to it for reminders and guidance when navigating similar challenges with our daughter

  If you’re raising or working with adolescent girls, Untangled is an essential read. It’s the kind of book you’ll return to again and again as the girls in your life grow and change — and as you grow with them.

• “ANXIOUS GENERATION” by Jonathan Haidt

  As both a parent and a teacher, I found The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt to be one of the most important and urgent books I’ve read in recent years. It delivers a powerful, data-driven look at how the rapid rise of smartphones and social media has transformed childhood — and not for the better.

  These are concerns I’ve been talking about and thinking through for years — ideas I understood intuitively and intellectually. But what I deeply appreciated about The Anxious Generation is how Jonathan Haidt brings the data. He backs up what so many of us have sensed with solid research, global trends, and compelling statistics. His ability to connect the dots between screen time, mental health, and changes in childhood gives weight and urgency to conversations that often feel abstract or anecdotal.

  Haidt makes a compelling case that today's youth are growing up in a fundamentally different environment than any generation before them. With clear research and global data, he argues that the shift from play-based, in-person childhoods to screen-centered, online lives has contributed to a dramatic increase in anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people.

  As a parent, the book gave me the language and framework to have meaningful conversations with my family about screen use, real-life experiences, and mental health. As a teacher, it affirmed many of the changes I’ve seen in students over the past decade — and provided clarity on how schools and educators can respond constructively.

  The Anxious Generation is not just a critique — it’s a call to action. And for anyone who wants to understand what today’s children are up against, it’s absolutely essential reading.

• “SUPERPOWERED” by Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary

  As a parent, Superpowered has been one of the most valuable resources I've come across for supporting kids’ mental and emotional well-being. Co-authored by Renee Jain and Dr. Shefali Tsabary, this interactive guide is designed to help tweens and teens understand anxiety and build the skills to manage it with confidence—and it truly delivers.

  I used this book with both of my children when they were in middle school, and it made a lasting impact. The tone is approachable and kid-friendly, with just the right balance of science, empathy, and humor. It helps kids feel seen and understood while equipping them with real tools to recognize, name, and navigate anxious thoughts and feelings.

  The interactive format—with exercises, reflection prompts, and practical strategies—made it easy for my children to engage with the material on their own terms. It also gave us a common language to talk about emotions, stress, and resilience—conversations that continue to this day.

  What I appreciate most is how the book normalizes anxiety without minimizing it. It empowers kids to take ownership of their emotional lives in ways that are age-appropriate, affirming, and genuinely helpful.

  Superpowered is more than a book—it’s a toolkit, a conversation starter, and a confidence builder. I highly recommend it to any parent, teacher, or counselor working with kids navigating the ups and downs of growing up.