The Math Book for Girls: and Other Beings Who Count (Books for Girls)
Grade 3-6-A useful book to enliven math studies and ground them in the real world. Nora (short for Natural Observation Research Activator) first appeared in The Science Book for Girls and Other Intelligent Beings (Kids Can, 1997) and now returns as "a newfangled fairy godmother" who relates everything to math. The tiny teacher begins with measurement, proportion, area, and patterns and then helps her young student plan a birthday party, complete with tangrams, secret-code invitations, 3-D shapes, symmetrical decorations, and a cake. The one problem Nora doesn't solve is how the girl can collect on her brother's debt, although she does suggest a game of probability to help settle the score. Step-by-step activities help readers understand the concepts presented. Sidebars about women who use math in their careers (a zoologist, veterinarian, architect, interior decorator, computer programmer, archaeologist, etc.) further emphasize the importance of math in everyday life. An endnote offers ideas and suggestions for adults working with children both at home and in school. A detailed glossary, answer key, and index are included. Illustrations and diagrams throughout make this a clear and easy-to-use resource for some different and fun perspectives on the subject.Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NYCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.