I think the discussions that happened around reading the book was a beneficial if not more then reading the actual book.
A good tutor might really help too. Not just for math but sometime a Tutor can help build confidence if it is lacking. My ds11 when in 4th grade had a wonderful senior boy from the local high sit with him once a week. Sometimes 2 times a week on request from my ds. They would go over a few things and sometimes just sit and chat. It was a great experience for my ds and the tutor I think.
