Ranbir: Folding Nebraska

by Mona R. Semerau

Genre: Middle Grade / Contemporary

ISBN: 9781639888788

Print Length: 80 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

A quirky story about two kids feeding their imaginations with mathematics

“Ranbir: Adventures in Math” is a delightful tale that combines the joy of friendship with the wonders of mathematics. Buck and Ranbir, two seven-year-olds facing the challenges of mask-wearing and limited socialization, find solace and excitement in exploring the world of numbers together.

“‘While you were daydreaming you were in solitary confinement. Oh, the mind is a wonderful thing, so delightfully devious. I’m so glad you didn’t let the zombies eat your brain.’”

The story begins when Buck and Ranbir both provide mathematically correct, yet culturally incorrect answers to a question. This shared experience sparks a friendship that leads them on a journey through decimals, exponential growth, logarithms, and more. As Buck listens to his teacher, “Ms. Drone-a-lot,” he discovers that math offers an infinite number of games and possibilities to pass the time.

Ranbir, a rebellious math whizz, introduces Buck to various mathematical concepts through engaging games, tools, and fun techniques. The story provides clear directions and illustrations, making it easy for readers to recreate and play these math games alongside the book. This interactive approach encourages young readers to actively participate and embrace the joy of learning mathematics.

“Oh!” His voice kind of looped low to high with the accent and everything. I would have laughed but he looked a little desperate. “It is impossible time. I must pay my debt to society, you see, for justice, equity, being fair, all that. I am tasked with moving all the numbers from the left side of the decimal point to the right side to make everything equal. And these poor sahibs have no clue that cannot be done!” 

Amidst the mathematical adventures, Buck and Ranbir navigate an ongoing conflict with their teachers over lessons about equity and injustice. Both young students refuse to internalize teachings on racism, inequality, and historical events like the 1619 Project. Buck daydreams alternate worlds where he experiences solitary confinement for nonconformity or embarks on vibrant adventures across Nebraska, accompanied by his dog Zippo. These imaginative escapades provide a context for the more complex mathematical techniques and enliven the story with excitement and creativity.

The story highlights the exhilarating moments when Buck applies his newfound mathematical prowess in real-world scenarios. The blend of casual dialogue and the authentic demeanor of a curious seven-year-old discovering the joys of math makes Buck an inspirational and relatable character. Young readers are encouraged to engage in their own math games, fostering a love for the subject and promoting critical thinking skills.

“’In my day if you was ‘intellec-shul’ or learn-ed, you wanted folks to see you smoking a pipe, because it made you look thoughtful and contemplative, like you had big deep thoughts in your head, kind of wizardy and mysterious. I just wanted to impress you.’”

While the story includes some advanced mathematical concepts that may be challenging for young readers, there are also simpler ideas and games that provide entertainment and educational value. However, the integration of political ideas into the narrative may feel out of place and overly mature for the target audience. The references to transgenderism and racial characteristics early in the book may be jarring and inconsistent with the young narrator’s character. Fortunately, politics play a minor role, framing the story rather than being at its core.

“Ranbir: Adventures in Math” is an engaging journey that showcases the transformative power of mathematics. With charismatic guides like Ranbir leading the way, young readers will discover how math can change their perspective on the world around them. This captivating tale fosters curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning, making it a wonderful addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.