MPASS Education is excited to collaborate with students to both author and illustrate short stories that are intended to support other students with understanding how math and other content areas are used in real-life situations. In March of 2022, a student authored a short story to demonstrate her understanding of using similar triangles to determine the height of an object. Upon reviewing the draft, I was hit with the idea that not only was her work exceptional, worthy of being published, but can also inspire other students and teachers. The decision was made that MPASS Education would publish student authored and student illustrated books to support student successes in a new and unique way. I am hopeful that not only will the books published by MPASS Education be a concrete example of student achievement but to also break down barriers for future students to find their pathway to success.
All books published by MPASS Education are in support of student success and in recognition of exceptional work. All net profits from the sale of each book goes directly to the author and illustrator! Please check out these books, all of which are available on Amazon.
The Monsters of Math is a series of children’s books in which a group of friends work through everyday situations and learn how math skills help to inform their decisions. The books are not intended to be read in any specific order. The math skills and stories are intended to support parents, teachers, and students to understand the importance of applying math skills within everyday decisions.
Cedric wants to celebrate his friends by hosting a party in which their favorite snacks are included. As Cedric begins to make plans for his friendship party he is faced with the challenge of determining the favorite snacks. He asks his friend for help and the two develop a plan to gather and organize data to better support their snack decision.
Author: Aunt T and Ryan Reed
Illustrator: Lu Hubbell
The Monsters of Math Plan a Fishing Derby is the second book in the series. In this story, we meet Cedric’s grandparents, Nanna and Pa who help me plan a fishing derby. Along the way, Cedric and his friends consider how a fishing derby supports a stronger community, how to be happy for others’ success and that it is not necessary to win a prize to enjoy the event.
Author: Aunt T and Ryan Reed
Illustrator: Lu Hubbell
Tasha is a precocious child that loves to bake. She generally has great intentions and believes she can do everything on her own. But, in each adventure, she learns something new about baking and how it is good to ask for help.
Tasha is an adventurous young baker. She has great intentions to bake cupcakes to show her friend, Lexi, that she is important to her. Tasha first attempts to bake the cupcakes on her own, but for some reason, they taste terrible. She calls her Aunt T for help. Together they determine what went wrong on the first attempt and make a second batch that tastes delicious.
Author: Sarah Reed and Aunt T
Illustrator: Abigail Burk
Tasha and her best friend Lexi make the cheer team! But now, they need to learn how to eat balanced meals and stay hydrated so that they do their best. In this adventure, Tasha learns how to figure out how much water she needs to drink each day by using math tables and adding on. She then helps Lexi to do the same.
Author: Sarah Reed and Aunt T
Illustrator: Abigail Burk
Sambi Nayar is a world class nature explorer who researches rare plants and animals in order to protect their environment. During the first book of the series Sambi meets Eloff, who is a talking …well we do not want to give too much away. This series follows Sambi’s adventures as he explores our world and brings to light the desperate need for everyone to help protect our environment and everything living.
This is the second book in the Sambi Nayar series. Sambi and Eloff are searching for the rare skeleton flower that have been supposedly seen within the Appalachian trail. During their adventure we learn of Eloff’s mysterious skills and wisdom as well as Sambi’s determination to protect rare plants and animals.
Author: J’Shawn Dillard
Susie and her friend Jess collaborate to determine how tall is Lulu. Lulu is Susie’s friend who happens to be a giraffe. The three try to determine Lulu’s height using measuring tools, but realize they are not tall enough to successfully do so. Jess explains how to use shadows and similar triangles to calculate Lulu’s height.
Author: Kayla Maples
Illustrator: Lu Hubbell
Mama Tembo teaches the young animals of the forest the importance of living in harmony with the humans. Her and a young elephant bravely approach a local farmer to become friends. Mama Tembo teaches Jake, the farmer, the importance of trees and how trees help the air, water, and soil. Terrific story focusing on the importance of humans taking care of the earth and all living things.
Author: Jimmy Drisdom III
Illustrator: Sam Burk
Luna and her friends enjoy racing cars at recess. Unfortunately, Luna cannot afford to buy a new car. Luna and her mother work together to build their own toy car. Luna’s car is unique and she surprises all her friends with how fast it goes.
Author: Audrey Ocampo
Supporting Illustrator: illustrator Lu Hubbell
Thomas, Maria, and Mike discover the importance of planning for a fun day at the amusement park. While planning, they demonstrate the importance of collaboration. They also demonstrate the importance of using a map, understanding walking rates, average rates, and elapsed time.
Author:Jesus Ovando Barraza
Illustrator: Cindy Alvarez
This is the second book in the series. Mama Tembo, Finn, and Jake collaborate to protect the farmers’ fields. They have to use creative problem solving after discussing the issue with Busara, an elderly elephant.
Author: Jimmy Drisdom III
Illustrator: Sam Burk