What Reviewers Say

Edward Zaccaro’s Challenge Math series is consistently hailed by the homeschool community as a premier supplement for students who need more depth than a standard curriculum provides. Reviewers from Cathy Duffy and the Well-Trained Mind forums emphasize the effectiveness of its four-level structure, ranging from basic mastery to the 'Einstein Level' which challenges even adults. While the humorous, conversational style is praised for making complex concepts like algebra and probability accessible to younger learners, some reviewers point out that the simple, black-and-white layout may be less engaging for students who prefer modern, colorful graphics. Additionally, it is strictly a supplement; it lacks the repetitive practice necessary for a core curriculum. However, for gifted students or those who enjoy puzzles and 'living math,' Zaccaro’s books are considered a gold standard for developing high-level critical thinking and a genuine love for mathematical problem-solving.

How It Works

A parent and child typically begin by reading a short, humorous lesson together that introduces a mathematical concept through conversational stories and cartoons. After the explanation, the child works through four levels of word problems that progress from 'Level 1' basic mastery to the 'Einstein Level,' which requires complex, multi-step logic. A session usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and because the chapters are self-contained, families often use it once or twice a week as a 'Friday Fun' break from their main curriculum. No special materials are required beyond the workbook and a pencil, making it an easy-to-implement supplement for the kitchen table.

Switching to This?

Hickory Grove Press does not offer formal placement tests, so parents generally choose a volume based on their child's current grade level or their progress in a core curriculum. A common community rule of thumb is to start with 'Primary Grade Challenge Math' for students in grades 1-4 and 'Upper Elementary Challenge Math' for grades 3-5, even if the student is advanced, to build confidence with the book's unique problem-solving style. Families can start using Zaccaro mid-year at any time because the chapters do not strictly build on one another. If you are moving from a traditional program that focuses on rote memorization, expect a transition period where the child must learn to persevere through 'Einstein' problems that do not have an immediate, obvious answer.

Curriculum Details

Price

$24 - $29

Pricing is per book; Primary Grade Challenge Math typically costs $24.95, while Challenge Math for Elementary and Middle School is $29.95.

Grades

1 - 12

Available As

Print Workbook

Coverage

Supplement

Subjects

Math Logic & Critical Thinking

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

5-20 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Advanced

Worldview

Neutral

Teach Multiple Ages

Yes

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Videos

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Beast Academy, which provides a full, comic-book-style core curriculum, Zaccaro is a black-and-white supplement designed to add depth to any existing program. When weighed against Life of Fred, both use narrative and humor, but Zaccaro is more structured by specific math topics rather than a continuous storyline about a single character. Parents often compare this series to Singapore Math's 'Challenging Word Problems'; while Singapore focuses heavily on the bar-modeling method, Zaccaro encourages more flexible, 'outside-the-box' logic and various creative strategies. Against The Critical Thinking Co.’s 'Building Thinking Skills,' Zaccaro is more focused on applied quantitative math and word problems rather than general spatial or verbal logic. Finally, compared to Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), Zaccaro offers a gentler and more conversational entry point for gifted learners who might find the dense text and high rigor of AoPS intimidating.

Getting Started