What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? A Math Adventure (Paperback)

~ (Author), Phyllis Hornung (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5–A fictionalized look (in spite of the CIP designation) at Pythagoras as he discovers his famous theorem. He is depicted as a curious boy who travels with his father from Samos to Alexandria, where he meets a builder named Neferheperhersekeper, who introduces him to the right angle. He begins to experiment, observing and noting the fixed and unvarying mathematical nature of triangles–right triangles, to be precise. The cartoon illustrations capture the dress, homes, and sailing ships in a warm and clear palette. Ellis includes delightful puns for those who are keen on wordplay. Sticklers be warned: there is lots of dialogue, but in the context of the story, it works well and helps to explain the math. This clear and interesting explanation of the theorem is a wonderful read.–Jennifer England, The Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

In ancient Greece, young Pythagoras discovers a special number pattern (the Pythagorean theorem) and uses it to solve problems involving right triangles.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570911509
• ISBN-13: 978-1570911507
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,912 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Unfortunate Anachronisms, December 22, 2004

By	Jolene Gleason (Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pythagoras made easy!, August 8, 2004

By	T Love - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy To Understand, May 22, 2008

By	M. Bensh "happy parent" (NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.