Customer Reviews

What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? A Math Adventure

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is generally a good book about the Pythagorean Theorem. I was disappointed, however, that someone did not catch the gross anachronisms before publication. In the book young Pythagorus travels to Alexandria, Egypt. However, Pythagoras was born (as the book points out) around 569 BC. This predates Alexander the Great by more than 200 years. Of course Alexandria would not have existed before Alexander the Great. Also as Pythagoras' ship approaches Alexandria, you can see the great lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in the background. The lighthouse wasn't built, however until around 271 BC - even after Alexander's death. I know it's just a fictional children's book, but come on. Our children deserve a little better research.

I bought this book to read to my 6th grade math class. We had been working on perimeter and area and I was trying to explain the Pythagorean Theorem to them as an introduction to what they would see in 7th grade. Only the "math" minds were really able to get the concept, until I read them the book. The book goes into great detail using fantastic visuals that link well to the story. The kids loved it and many more said they were now able to understand the formula. I'm even planning on showing it to my 8th grade coworker - they were having trouble understanding it as well.

This is probably the most enjoyable way I have come across to teach Pythagorean Theorem to my children. It's one of those special books which children will read without realising they are learning a mathematical concept. Highly recommended to teachers and parents grappling with this sometimes difficult topic!

What's Your Angle, Pathagoras? is a great way to get students ready for math on a day when you aren't going to start with a computation drill. It is a pleasant, easy read and it not only explains the Pythagorean Theorem in easy to understand language and with pictures, but it also can be the starter to a discussion about possible careers in math. 'Tis a great book for students 3rd - 6th grade.

I teach high school math and read this book before vacation when the kids aren't keen on "doing math". They LOVE it, especially since they've been using the pythagorean theorem for years.

I bought this for my 7th and 8th grade classes and they totally enjoyed it. I wouldn't think so because it was a picture book, but they seem to love it when I read the book to them in an elementary teacher voice. And the explanation of the theorem is good as well and presented in a similar way that I would present it.

This is a great story, accessible enough for younger kids (my 7 yr. old loved and understood it.) It will help anyone who reads it (younger and older) to have a more concrete understanding of the how and why behind the pythagorean theorem.

-The book does an excellent job of VISUALLY bringing to life the mathematical concepts and their application, in a way that is memorable and interesting.

-It is also a great story for kids... a young person being observant and trying to figure things out, being inquisitive and curious, and thus being able to find solutions to problems that are helpful in tangible ways to his family and other adults, earning their respect. It seemed "inspiring" and "empowering" to my kids, in the sense that they could see themselves figuring things out and having something to contribute, even though they are young.

This book has been one of my absolute favorites of the various "educational story books" that we have read, because it does the two things I mentioned above so well. We like the Sir Cumference math story books as well, but I like this one even better; it seemed to present the concepts more clearly.

The illustrations are also delightful.

See the "most helpful critical review" titled "Unfortunate Anachronisms" for useful information on a few anachronisms within the story that could be helpful to discuss with your kids, and perhaps teach a little extra history on the side.

Delightful and informative book explaining the principle of the Pythagoras therom. My kids enjoyed it (age 8 and 11)and I only wish I would have had this book when I was in school!

I got this book for my 9 years old daughter. It made her think that math was fun. But the topic was so simple that she only read it once or twice.