Math as Metaphor: A Conversation with
Author Wendy Lichtman

In addition to writing novels for middle schoolers, Wendy Lichtman writes essays for national publications such as the Washington Post, New York Times, and San Francisco Chronicle. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and has tutored public-school students in algebra for several years. She resides in Berkeley, California.

In a recent interview with Education Oasis, Ms. Lichtman shared her thoughts on writing, the importance of challenging stereotypes, and math as a metaphor.

EO: What was the inspiration for the Do the Math series?

WL: I had a story to tell, a childhood story that I lived through. My mother had an acquaintance that committed suicide. After talking with the dead woman’s husband, my mother (and her friends) began to suspect that it wasn’t suicide, that the husband had actually killed his wife. I couldn’t understand why Mom did not go to the cops. She gave me reasons why. As a child, though, I couldn’t understand that there isn't always a clear cut answer to things. Algebra teaches us that. This became the premise for my first novel in the series, Secrets, Lies, and Algebra.

EO: What was the most challenging part of writing the second book in the series, The Writing on the Wall? 

WL: For me it’s always a challenge—and also a thrill—to search for the mathematical concept that will deepen the storyline.

EO: The main character, Tess, is so real it seems as if she could walk right off the page. How did you go about creating her?

WL: One of the things that’s been most helpful to me is that when I began writing the series, I asked a friend of mine who is a middle school principal if I might observe in the 8th grade algebra classroom. I had thought I wanted to do that to make certain that my math was authentic, and that I’d stay for a couple months. But in fact, I’ve been observing and tutoring students now for five years, and that, I believe, is why Tess seems real to the reader—the kids I’ve worked with have helped me do that.

EO: As teachers, we have noticed that girls (as they advance through the grades) seem to shy away from math because they don’t want to be seen as "too smart." What advice would you give girls who are attracted to the discipline and yet worry about fitting in.  

WL: It’s a real problem, and I think these girls need support from their families and teachers. You can love math and still be interested in friends, family, social life. The old stereotypes (of the dorky, white male mathematician) must be examined and challenged.

EO: What attracted you personally to the discipline of math?

WL: I believe it was the puzzle-like aspect of the subject.

EO: In an essay you wrote recently, you mentioned that algebra is a "gatekeeper." Could you talk a bit about that?

WL: Yes, I was quoting Dr. Robert Moses, the founder of The Algebra Project, who says that algebra is indeed a gatekeeper subject. Basically, kids who are put in 8th grade algebra begin a tracking system that continues on through to college. Without algebra, they cannot get in other college courses—science, engineering, and so on.

EO: What books inspired you as a child? 

WL: Well, I’ve loved series because I get to know the characters in a deeper way. I read the usual ones as a child (Nancy Drew, etc.), but as an adult I’ve been excited by the writing of the English author Hilary McKay and her series about the Casson family.

EO: What advice would you give to students who want to become writers? 

WL: Read, read, read; write, write, write. Always have some paper and pencils with you so if an idea comes up, you can jot it down for developing later.

EO: Will the series continue? Will we see Tess in future novels?

WL: I have one more up my sleeve. I’ve already written the first three chapters.