Let’s put the M into STEM today. Mathemagic! Number Tricks by Education Professor Lynda Colgan and illustrated by Jane Kurisu shows kids how to entertain with number tricks and then 
takes things to a new level by explaining the math behind the magic.
Of course kids are going to realize that this book is “educational” a mile away. Once they start using it, however, they just might get carried away by the interesting problems it poses. Certain children of the target age seem to enjoy mystifying their friends with tricks and magic, and are likely to really enjoy “mind reading” and “calculator magic.”
Educators will want to put this book into their trick toolbox, too. Obviously it will appeal to the math whizzes who play math games anyway. It might also be useful to those who are struggling math because it makes many aspects of math more concrete, allows children to see math computations from a new angle, lets them see math in everyday life, and may help motivate them to practice the skills that they need for standardized tests.
Mathemagic! is not a textbook, but an enrichment that will appeal to middle grade children and make math more accessible. Without a doubt, in no time you will be hearing “Mathakazam!”
See what Lynda Colgon and other children’s book authors say about science and math books for kids.
Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1554534259
ISBN-13: 978-1554534258
Book was provided for review for Cybils nomination in 2011.
Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.