As the pages of history turn, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable milestone—the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, this annual celebration of literature brought together thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals for a weekend brimming with literary magic.
Attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond, the festival was a testament to the enduring appeal of literature and the community it fosters. Each event, each conversation, and each shared moment contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrated the diverse voices and stories that shape our world.
This year, Citi of Books was thrilled to be part of this vibrant gathering, where the love for literature was palpable in the air. Whether you were a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer exploring the world of books, the festival provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for the written word.
As we look back on this unforgettable weekend, we invite you to join us in reliving the highlights of Citi of Books’ gallery during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—a true celebration of the literary arts! A book included in the gallery was “Arithmetic Counts!: Why Americans Have Trouble with Math and How to Fix It” by Dr. Paul Shoecraft.
Dr. Shoecraft may be the only mathematician since the Progressive Education era (that was not progressive) that began in 1880 to seriously analyze the “lowly” subject of arithmetic and how to teach it. In Arithmetic Counts, he explains how every textbook-based math program in every elementary school in America is holding children back in math. In writing this book, he hopes to start another round of national math reform like the New Math in the 1960s for high school math teachers, except this time for elementary school teachers to learn how to make arithmetic a success story for all children.
Dr. Shoecraft’s breakthrough in how to teach arithmetic came when he experimented with teaching what needs to be understood instead of “known” (memorized) about the subject—like teaching why addition is performed the way it is instead of having children practice thousands of addition problems until the algorithm they are using supposedly becomes cemented in their brains.
By teaching the essence of arithmetic in sensible ways and appealing to children’s love of games, songs, and movement, he’s proven that virtually ALL children can learn arithmetic—the foundation for algebra, higher mathematics, science, technology, engineering and more, even music!
When children understand arithmetic, they own it. It’s no longer just their teacher’s math. It’s their math!
Dr. Shoecraft holds a Master of Science degree in pure mathematics from Northern Arizona University, 1967, and a PhD in mathematics education from the University of Michigan, 1971.
“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 their math, “they own it… It’s their math”—a testimony to what is possible when teaching is done in God’s truth and spirit.
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