Math Curse [Hardcover]

Jon; Smith, Lane Scieszka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2006

Free standard shipping - After reading this comical book, you too will fall victim to the math curse - the habit of viewing all aspects of your daily life in terms of a math problem. This story follows a girl as she begins to recognize the mathematics all around her, like if she has 30 minutes until the bus comes, but needs 10 minutes to get dressed, and another 10 to brush her teeth, will she make it to the bus on time? Guide your students through fun and functional word problems theyll want to solve with this captivating book. Hardcover, 32 pages. Grades 1-3.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Scholastic (2006)
• ISBN-10: 0439793289
• ISBN-13: 978-0439793285
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,958,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To Be Read Again and Again, May 27, 2000

By 

Patricia A. Powell (gladstone, nj USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Math Curse (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my daugther when she was in kindergarten. "Again Mommy." she demanded after I had read it to her. And so, I read it again. "Again Mommy." And so, I read it to her again. "Again Mommy." and so... I have long since lost track of how many times we read the book.

It starts with Mrs. Fibonnaci telling her class that "YOU KNOW,you can think of almost everything as a math problem." And we're off on adventure of doing just that.

The illustrations are wonderful, and match the text perfectly. The book is silly for young children and funny for older children. It is obvious and subtle at the same time. I think this is why some reviewers think that it miscategorized as being for ages 4 to 8. There is so much in the book that kids see it differently at different ages. My daugther is now in 4th grade and she still takes this book off the shelf to read... just for fun. Recently she had a math assignment to show a series of numbers. She chose a Fibonnaci series. This book stays with you.

The book ends with Mr. Newton telling his class "YOU KNOW, you can think of almost everything as a science experiment." Note to the author: I'm waiting for you to write the "Science Curse."

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun view of math anxiety and math ideas in everyday life., May 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Math Curse (Hardcover)

I teach math to adults, and I use this book in my classes when I discuss math anxiety. I also use it to illustrate some major math ideas, such as base numbers (important in computers and video games), the Fibonacci series (important in natural science and a good illustration of how math developed in the abstract can often later be found to have practical application), logic, and combinations. The book is chock full of math concepts, all presented in the context of everyday circumstances, which makes it a very valuable tool in making the argument to my students for their need to study math. It is also a very, very entertaining book, and all of my students can relate to the girl's frustration and anxiety. My 9 year old son reads this book at least once a week (for the last year, now!), and still laughs when he reads it. It is wonderfully illustrated and well written, a true gem. I recommend it for children and adults alike, and especially for math teachers of all ages.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, August 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Math Curse (Hardcover)

I'm a math major and during my classroom observations, I read this book to 4th graders and they loved it. The teacher ask me to stay and read it to the 5th and 6th graders. The book is illustrated beautifully and it really makes students and adults understand that math is a part of our every day life. I love the way the authors relate every aspect of the book to math: the price of the book is an addition problem, the price is also in available in binary, it's for ages >6 and <99!!! The fact that Mrs. Fibonacci is her teach is just too cool! I've become a math lunatic myself. Thanks to the authors for such grand creativity!