McGill and Lee: Invasion of the Mutant Plications (Book 1)

Follow dynamic duo –math whiz McGill and imaginative Lee — as they face an unexpected challenge: intergalactic invaders posing as tricky math problems!

McGill and Lee, two middle-schoolers, get cast in their school’s production of “Math, Mayhem, and Zombie Mathematicians,” only to discover that a real-life Zombie invasion is underway!

Together, they’ll use their developing skills to outsmart the invaders and save the day.

This engaging graphic novel and series start will be an entertaining and impactful tool that’s sure to help the 8-12-year-old sect see the fun in math!

“And we’ll end today with a math-centric graphic novel. Yes! Math! Hey, I like it in books for kids. Plus McGee is a longtime math and science teacher for Chicago Public Schools so, y’know, hometown pride. In this story, two kids realize that they must defend the planet against the evil Plications. Their weapons? Math, baby. We’re talking STEM education in a GN format. Could there be anything sweeter?” —School Library Journal Blog

Features:

• Fills a critical need for engaging math literature: Addresses the national decline in math proficiency with an entertaining approach.
• Co-author is a tenured and decorated 5th-grade math teacher: Bridgette McGee is a longtime math and science teacher for Chicago Public Schools. In 2024, she received the ‘Elect Lady of Education’ award for her service to students across Chicago. She has included math lessons sprinkled throughout the book and backmatter that includes practice problems for kids to do independently after reading and learning from the story.
• A thrilling mix of math, adventure, and humor! Perfect for reluctant readers!
• Encourages a growth mindset: Aligns with social-emotional learning (SEL) by fostering problem-solving and resilience.
• Supports STEM education initiatives: Ideal for school curriculum supplements, after-school programs, and homeschoolers emphasizing STEM learning. A great fit for Title I schools, cross-curricular teaching, and math-focused book fairs.

Themes for Classroom Learning/Library & Bookseller Displays:

• The “Science of Math” Movement – Focus on conceptual understanding over memorization.
• Project-Based Learning (PBL) – Encourages hands-on problem-solving through storytelling.
• Closing the STEM Achievement Gap – Engages diverse learners and promotes math confidence.
• SEL: Teamwork, perseverance, and critical thinking.
• National STEM Day – November 8
• Pi Day – March 14
• Math Awareness Month – April
• Graphic Novels in Education Month – September