Book Review of What Is Math Good For, Anyway?
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The Children’s Book Review
What Is Math Good For, Anyway?
Written by Nicole Frankel
Illustrated by Firman Putra
Ages 4+ | 31 Pages
Publisher: Nicole Frankel Books (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798987604335
What to Expect: Education, math, practical knowledge, and problem-solving.
Math can be one of the most challenging subjects to get young readers excited about, perhaps because it can feel very abstract. In this cheerful picture book, readers discover that math is a part of everyday life and can help them solve problems and get what they want.
Bennie, like many of us, finds math a bit of a bore. In fact, Bennie HATES math. But when his teacher starts pointing out all the “mathtastic” ways he uses math in his everyday life, Bennie’s perspective begins to change. He uses counting and subtraction in the cafeteria to trade for his favorite chips, and ordinal numbers and sequencing to determine how he won the monkey car competition. Then, he uses math to figure out how much money he needs to buy ice cream and how tall he has grown.
By the time dinner and pizza roll around, Bennie is firmly convinced—math is NOT boring – it’s exciting and useful! His transformation from a math-hater to a math-lover is a beacon of hope for all educators and parents.
Bennie’s reluctance about math and enthusiasm about everything else makes him an endearing and relatable main character. The dynamic, colorful artwork features helpful labeling so that readers can follow along with his calculations. At the same time, the text highlights key math terminology, helping readers increase their math literacy as they follow the story.
What Is Math Good For, Anyway? is a gently humorous and easy-to-read exploration of practical math, perfect for the classroom and especially for reluctant mathematicians like Bennie.
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About the Author
Nicole Frankel is an accomplished author and the entrepreneur of Yum Actually, a company specializing in nutritious ice cream for children. Her award-winning children’s books, “What Are Mondays Good for, Anyway?” and “What Are Bees Good For, Anyway?” are beloved for their heartwarming stories and inspiring lessons. Frankel’s works are dedicated to empowering young readers through fun and engaging narratives and are cherished for their ability to captivate imaginations and foster confidence in young minds.
Nicole finds joy in spending quality time with her family, indulging in her love for reading and baking, and seeking adventure through rock climbing. She currently lives in New York, US, with her family.
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