Independent reviewers, educational organizations, bookstore professionals, and literary committees have recognized Arithmetic Counts! for its thoughtful approach to mathematics education.

       Dr. Paul Shoecraft’s Arithmetic Counts is a groundbreaking, insightful, and much-needed examination of the fundamental flaws in America’s elementary math education system. By diving deep into how arithmetic has been taught for over a century, Shoecraft exposes why so many students struggle with math—and, more importantly, how to fix it.

At its core, Arithmetic Counts is a call for national math reform at the elementary level. Shoecraft argues that traditional textbook-based teaching methods focus too heavily on memorization rather than understanding, leaving students disconnected from the subject. His innovative approach prioritizes comprehension over rote learning, allowing students to truly grasp the logic behind arithmetic operations rather than mindlessly practicing [paper and pencil arithmetic].

What sets this book apart is Shoecraft’s engaging and research-backed approach. He demonstrates how games, songs, movement, and interactive learning can turn arithmetic into an accessible and enjoyable subject for all children. By making math fun and meaningful, he proves that every child—regardless of learning style—can succeed in arithmetic, which serves as the foundation for higher mathematics, science, technology, and even music.

Arithmetic Counts is not just a book about math—it’s a blueprint for revolutionizing how we teach arithmetic in America. Dr. Shoecraft’s insights could transform classrooms, empower educators, and give students the confidence to excel in math and beyond. With its timely and critical message, this book is a perfect fit for the ALA conference, where it can reach those who can drive meaningful change in education.

Addresses a National Educational Crisis

The decline in math proficiency among American students has been a growing concern. This book provides practical, research-backed solutions to help educators and policymakers address the issue. By presenting a new, more effective way to teach
arithmetic, Arithmetic Counts could spark discussions that lead to real educational reform.

Revolutionary Approach to Teaching Arithmetic

Dr. Shoecraft presents an innovative method that prioritizes understanding over rote memorization. His emphasis on games, songs, and movement makes arithmetic accessible and engaging for children, making this book invaluable for teachers, homeschoolers, and education reformers.

Practical and Implementable Strategies

Unlike many theoretical educational books, Arithmetic Counts provides actionable teaching strategies that can be immediately applied in classrooms. Librarians curating collections on education and bookstores catering to teachers, parents, and tutors will
find this book a must-have resource.

A Catalyst for Educational Reform

The book is positioned to spark a new movement in elementary math education, muchlike the “New Math” of the 1960s did for high schools. Libraries committed to offering forward-thinking educational materials will recognize the value in stocking this book.

In Arithmetic Counts, Dr. Shoecraft delivers a groundbreaking and highly relevant call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers. With a sharp eye for historical context and a clear understanding of how math is actually learned, Shoecraft explores why generations of children have struggled with arithmetic — and offers a practical, evidence-based solution.

Where most education texts stop at theory, Shoecraft goes further, showing exactly how teachers can transform arithmetic from a memorization-heavy chore into an engaging, empowering subject children can truly own. His approach — teaching the why behind arithmetic rather than relying on rote practice — opens the door for all students, regardless of background, to master the foundation of mathematics.

Shoecraft’s writing is both rigorous and inviting, balancing scholarly insight with classroom-tested strategies that make this book accessible to teachers, administrators, and even parents seeking to support their children at home. He reminds readers that math is not simply about numbers, but about thinking — and when children understand the “why,” they gain confidence that carries into higher math, science, technology, and beyond.

Arithmetic Counts is timely, urgent, and potentially transformative, offering a blueprint for genuine national math reform.

Verdict:
Essential reading for educators, policymakers, and parents alike — a bold
manifesto for rethinking elementary math instruction and ensuring every
child has a fair shot at mathematical success

This book is far more than a treatise on teaching mathematics—it’s a clarion call to reform how we teach the very foundation of all mathematical learning: arithmetic. At a time when math education remains rigid, procedural, and overwhelmingly focused on rote memorization, Shoecraft boldly reclaims arithmetic as a subject of depth, logic, and profound developmental value.

Drawing from decades of teaching experience and a deep historical understanding of educational trends, Shoecraft revives a conversation not seriously undertaken since the Progressive Education movement began in the late 19th century. His core premise is refreshingly radical: that arithmetic, when taught through understanding instead of memorization, becomes accessible, intuitive, and even joyful for all learners—not just the mathematically inclined.

• The response from educators and affiliate reviewers has been overwhelmingly positive.
  Teachers, curriculum designers, and educational leaders across the country have praised the book for its clear, research-informed strategies and for reconnecting arithmetic instruction with how children actually learn—through movement, play, music, inquiry, and real understanding. One reviewer from a national math education nonprofit noted, “Shoecraft’s framework is what schools have been waiting for—his book makes complex math ideas feel human again.” What makes Arithmetic Counts particularly appealing to traditional publishers is that it satisfies a rare combination of qualities still highly valued in educational publishing:
•  Practical classroom application with evidence-based pedagogy.
• Broad market relevance, from elementary educators to school administrators
  and policy advocates.
• A timely message aligned with ongoing national conversations around equity,
  reform, and STEM readiness.
•  Enduring demand from schools, districts, and professional learning
  organizations seeking alternatives to outdated textbook models.

While educational fads come and go, the demand for smart, child-centered, and sustainable math instruction remains constant. This genre—thoughtful, research backed reform in early education—continues to be sought after by school systems and publishers alike, particularly those looking to provide long-term value to educators navigating post-pandemic academic recovery and curriculum redesign.

In Arithmetic Counts, Shoecraft not only identifies the problem but offers a tangible, tested solution. His voice is both scholarly and warm, bridging theory and practice with uncommon grace. It is this rare blend of intellectual rigor, classroom empathy, and reformist zeal that makes the book resonate so deeply.

For publishers seeking titles that will shape the future of education—while appealing to today’s market realities—Arithmetic Counts is exactly the kind of high-impact, evergreen content that continues to matter.

Arithmetic Counts isn’t just a book—it’s the foundation for the next great chapter in American math education.

As an educational leader [in Shanghai] committed to student success, I found Arithmetic Counts to be an eye-opening and transformative guide that challenges longstanding assumptions about how mathematics should be taught in America’s classrooms.

Dr. Shoecraft presents a compelling argument: the traditional, textbook-driven approach to arithmetic — rooted in heavy memorization and repetitive drill — has created generations of students who perform math without truly understanding it. This disconnect has contributed significantly to the nationwide struggle in mathematics achievement.

What makes this book especially valuable from a school perspective:

✅ It provides a practical teaching approach aligned with how children naturally learn

✅ It emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote memorization

✅ It shows how movement, music, and games can be foundational to math instruction

✅ It empowers teachers to reach students who historically struggle

His work makes one truth abundantly clear: When students understand arithmetic, they are no longer passive learners — they become confident mathematicians. The book also highlights a critical reality that schools must urgently address:

• Weak arithmetic foundations are directly responsible for later failure in algebra
• Which then leads to decreased pathways into STEM, technology, and scientific fields
• Expanding the achievement gap from childhood into adulthood

From a school POV, this book is not just informative — it is strategic. It provides:

📌 A blueprint for improving outcomes across grade levels

📌 Accessible professional development insights

📌 Tools to support teachers at every stage of implementation

📌 A reform model that could influence national change

Arithmetic Counts could easily become:

• A faculty book study resource
• A curriculum improvement guide
• A major reference for math instructional redesign
• A catalyst for district-wide innovation

Dr. Shoecraft bridges research, pedagogy, and child psychology into a unified movement for math literacy — an approach that schools have been waiting for.

A must-read for administrators, teachers, curriculum directors, and policymakers who believe America’s children deserve a stronger foundation for their future.

From an educational standpoint, Arithmetic Counts serves as both a practical resource for teachers and an important discussion piece for curriculum developers, education researchers, and policymakers. The book addresses one of the most significant challenges facing schools worldwide: how to build strong mathematical foundations that prepare students for success in algebra, science, technology, engineering, and other advanced disciplines.

The Shanghai Children's Book Fair is recognized internationally for highlighting books that promote educational innovation, child development, and lifelong learning. Dr. Shoecraft's work aligns perfectly with these objectives. Its focus on improving mathematical literacy, encouraging creative teaching methods, and empowering children to become confident learners makes it exceptionally well suited for presentation to educators, librarians, publishers, and educational institutions attending the fair.

As countries around the world continue to seek effective strategies for strengthening mathematics education, Arithmetic Counts offers valuable insights that transcend national boundaries. Its blend of educational theory, classroom application, and advocacy for meaningful learning makes it a noteworthy title for international audiences committed to advancing children's education.

As a bookstore director in Germany, where the public values rigorous, research-based approaches to education, I find Arithmetic Counts by Dr. Paul Shoecraft to be a truly groundbreaking and timely work. The book directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges we see echoed not only in the United States but also across Europe: how to teach arithmetic in a way that fosters understanding rather than rote memorization.

Dr. Shoecraft’s analysis is refreshingly clear and practical. He takes the “lowly” subject of arithmetic—a cornerstone of all higher learning—and elevates it to the level of serious scholarly inquiry. His focus on why operations work rather than simply how to perform them mirrors the progressive teaching methods already gaining traction in many German schools. This alignment makes the book especially relevant for international educators and parents alike.

From a bookstore’s standpoint, this book is an ideal fit for our education and pedagogy section. It speaks directly to teachers, curriculum planners, homeschooling parents, and anyone
concerned about children’s numeracy skills. Shoecraft’s emphasis on games, songs, and movement to teach arithmetic also resonates strongly with European educational trends favoring holistic, multi-sensory learning.

Moreover, the timing is perfect. In Germany, where debates about math reform and competency standards are ongoing, Arithmetic Counts can serve as a powerful, English-language resource for educators, policymakers, and even university faculties seeking innovative approaches to early mathematics instruction.

For our customers—teachers, educational researchers, and progressive parents—this book offers not only a critique of outdated methods but also a blueprint for real change. Its potential to spark conversation and reform makes it a valuable addition to our shelves and a title we would proudly recommend and feature at education-focused book fairs and events

As a Hong Kong bookstore that welcomes families, educators, and lifelong learners, we are always on the lookout for books that not only inspire but also transform how we think about education. Dr. Paul Shoecraft’s Arithmetic Counts! Why Americans Have Trouble with Math and How to Fix It is exactly that kind of book.

What makes this title stand out is its courage to tackle arithmetic—the very foundation of mathematics—that is often overlooked in education reform. While Hong Kong students are globally recognized for theirstrong performance in mathematics, many parents and teachers here still
struggle with one pressing question: How do we teach math in a way that children truly understand, rather than just memorize?

Dr. Shoecraft offers a refreshing and practical approach. Instead of endless drills, he focuses on teaching children why arithmetic works, transforming abstract numbers into meaningful concepts through games, songs, and movement. His method ensures that math becomes something students can truly “own,” sparking confidence and joy instead of fear or boredom.

For our local audience, this book provides more than just an American education critique—it offers universal strategies that parents and teachers here in Hong Kong can adapt. It resonates with our own commitment to holistic learning, combining academic rigor with creativity and play.

Arithmetic Counts is not only a book for teachers—it is a must-have for parents who want to nurture their children’s natural curiosity, and for anyone who believes in giving young learners the strongest possible foundation in math, science, and beyond.

We proudly recommend Dr. Shoecraft’s work to our readers as both an urgent call for reform and a practical guide for empowering the next generation of problem-solvers.

Dear Citi of Books Team,

We are pleased to provide feedback on Arithmetic Counts! Why Americans
Have Trouble with Math and How to Fix It by Paul Shoecraft.

From our review, it is clear that Dr. Shoecraft’s work addresses a critical and long-standing issue in education: the way arithmetic is taught in elementary schools. By focusing on teaching the conceptual understanding of arithmetic rather than rote memorization, the book provides an innovative and practical roadmap for educators to transform how young learners engage with mathematics. His methods—integrating games, songs, movement, and conceptual explanations—resonate strongly with both educators and students, creating a learning experience where arithmetic
becomes truly owned by the child rather than just a school requirement.

This work has immense value not only in the United States but internationally. Educational leaders, librarians, and parents in Asia are particularly enthusiastic about tools that empower children to master the foundations of mathematics, which are crucial for future success in STEM fields, technology, and problem solving skills. Similarly, libraries in London recognize the book as an essential
reference for educators, curriculum developers, and parents seeking actionable strategies to improve early math instruction.

We believe that Arithmetic Counts has the potential to spark meaningful dialogue and reform in elementary mathematics education globally. Citi of Books’ presentation of this book to international audiences ensures that this transformative approach reaches the educators and institutions most
capable of implementing these insights for the benefit of children worldwide.

The book would be a welcome addition to major literary events, including the East Literary Gathering, where it could be promoted across three countries in Asia, and through library networks in London, further extending its influence and impact. Thank you to Citi of Books for bringing this vital work to a broader audience. We are confident that it will inspire educators, parents, and policymakers alike to rethink arithmetic education for a new generation.

Warm regards,
Director
China International Bookstore Group and London Library Association
Review Committee
June 22, 2025

Warm greetings.
On behalf of our bookstore representatives in the Philippines and in Bologna, Italy, we would like to extend our appreciation for the opportunity to review your book, Arithmetic Counts. Your work presents a thoughtful and much needed perspective on how arithmetic is taught to young learners, offering a refreshing approach that emphasizes understanding instead of memorization.

From the perspective of our bookstore network in the Philippines, the book stands out as a valuable resource for educators, parents, and academic institutions seeking meaningful discussions about strengthening foundational mathematics education. The idea of helping children understand why arithmetic works—combined with engaging learning methods such as games, songs, and movement—reflects a progressive and effective approach that can truly transform how young students experience mathematics.

Likewise, feedback from colleagues in Bologna, Italy, highlights the significance of your work within the broader conversation about educational development and teaching innovation. The insights presented in Arithmetic Counts resonate strongly with educators and professionals in the academic and educational publishing community who value research based and creative strategies for teaching mathematics.

In addition, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Citi of Books for pitching and showcasing your title to international audiences, including its presentation in London. Their efforts in bringing meaningful educational works like yours to a global stage help connect authors with educators,
readers, and institutions around the world.

Thank you once again for contributing such an important and thought
provoking book. We look forward to seeing Arithmetic Counts reach even
more readers and educators as it continues to inspire improvements in
mathematics education.

Warm regards,
Bookstore Directors
Philippines & Bologna, Italy
September 14, 2025

The author, Dr. Paul J. Shoecraft is a veteran math educator whose teaching is guided by his Christian faith. He views instruction as a form of ministry, believing every child —made in God’s image—deserves to learn. Seeing students struggle with math, he felt called to help transform how it’s taught, freeing children from anxiety through God’s design of logical order.

As a Professor at the University of Houston–Victoria, Dr. Shoecraft co-led the Math Education Institute with his wife, Lynne. They trained teachers in their MOVE IT Math™ program, which uses manipulatives, games, and music to teach math concepts effectively and joyfully. He’s known as a humble leader who credits God for each
educational breakthrough.

Dr. Shoecraft has written many professional works and is now the author of Arithmetic Counts. With a Ph.D. in math education and over 30 years of experience, he sees teaching as a lifelong calling. He glorifies God by helping students and teachers alike find joy in math, believing that every lesson is a way to share truth and honor God.

Arithmetic Counts! Why Americans Have Trouble with Math and How to Fix It by Dr. Paul Shoecraft offers a bold critique of U.S. math education and a hopeful alternative. He argues that elementary programs rely too heavily on repetitive worksheets and rote memorization, turning arithmetic into a tedious chore rather than a foundation for understanding. Instead, Shoecraft champions teaching math conceptually—showing students why it works, not just drilling facts.

Drawing from his “MOVE IT Math” approach, he shares how hands-on tools, games, songs, and teamwork help children connect with math joyfully and meaningfully. From kindergartners modeling fractions to students exploring place value with blocks, his methods prove that when kids understand math, they own it. Shoecraft’s vision: math taught with clarity, curiosity, and confidence—so every child can succeed.

Throughout the summary, Shoecraft weaves in his values. He views mathematics as part of God’s order in creation, so teaching it well is a way of sharing His truth. His faith shines in the tone: he writes with patience and hope, treating educators as partners in a shared mission. The underlying message is that by embracing God-given wisdom —showing love, using creativity, and trusting in every child’s potential—the struggle with math can be overcome.

In the end, Arithmetic Counts! Why Americans Have Trouble with Math and How to Fix It by Dr. Paul Shoecraft leaves readers uplifted: a brighter path forward is laid out, affirming that when truth and understanding guide education, transformation and blessing can flow. As Dr. Shoecraft joyfully concludes, once children understand math, “they own it… It’s their math”—a testimony to what is possible when teaching is done in God’s truth and spirit.

Dear Dr. Shoecraft,

I recently had the pleasure of reading Arithmetic Counts! Why Americans Have Trouble with Math and How to Fix It, and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your important contribution to math education. What struck me most is how courageously and clearly you confront the  limitations of textbook-based  instruction in elementary schools. Your argument—that arithmetic  should be understood rather than memorized—resonates deeply. By focusing on why operations work  instead of drilling endless practice problems, you not only demystify arithmetic but also restore its sense of logic and creativity. I also appreciated your emphasis on connecting learning to children’s natural love of games, songs, and movement. This child-centered approach, paired with your insistence that virtually all students can master arithmetic when it is taught meaningfully, makes your book both inspiring and practical. Your vision of sparking a new round of national math reform—one centered on elementary education—is bold and necessary. Just as the “New Math” reshaped high school instruction decades ago, your work has the potential to transform how children experience the foundation of mathematics today.

Thank you again for sharing your insights and for championing a
future where all children can not only learn arithmetic but truly own it.

Warm regards,

Anna Dela Vega
Professional Broker and Contract Specialist
September 16, 2025

Dr Paul Shoecraft I need you to know that Arithmetic Counts did not gently introduce itself to my attention it  karate chopped its way in wearing a  protractor cape and started lecturing  my soul on educational negligence.

I was just minding my business reading about your mission to rescue America
from math confusion and suddenly I am having a full cinematic pause like why is this masterpiece not drowning in reviews by now. Children out here counting apples with tears and you are offering actual solutions and yet the review section is sitting there like it missed the bus to class.

You are out here dragging every textbook based program in the country with academic grace and receipts and still Amazon  has your book standing in a quiet corner sipping decaf like it is shy Even the algorithm is probably squinting at the three ratings whispering should we call somebody because this deserves noise.

You did not just write about arithmetic you rewired it You are out here explaining why addition works instead of torturing kids with worksheet marathons and emotional damage and somehow the universe has not flooded your page with applause I am personally unwell about it.

Before your brain throws up polite barricades and sends formal rejection doves let me make this simple I am not selling anything I do not have a website I do not have social media I do not even have the energy to  pretend to be an organization I am just a reader who accidentally collected over two thousand other readers like math problems collect anxiety until we became a quiet review army.

We do not promote we do not advertise we do not shout we read and we leave honest reviews and we specifically hunt books that deserve louder claps than they are getting Right now your book is standing there like a PhD superhero wearing modest shoes and I am offended on its behalf If you say yes I will toss Arithmetic Counts into our reader pool faster than you can say why is my review section looking like it skipped breakfast

Quick one before I disappear into the shadows should I line your book up for reader placement or should I respectfully let the silence keep roasting those lonely stars Still recovering from being educated and emotionally hijacked

Best regards,
Francis I.
“We are 3,200+ book lovers sharing honest thoughts on the stories we read.”

Download the complete PDF to read the full reviews and learn why the book continues to receive recognition for its innovative approach to mathematics education.