“Book Review: Gr 1-3–A time capsule from the year 2000 is discovered at Lincoln Elementary, and it can only be unlocked by solving a series of geometry problems. As Mr. Jeb’s class attempts to solve the clues, readers can play along in this “pick-your-own-path mystery.” Each of the five clues is presented with two possible answers, and readers turn to the page corresponding to their answer choice. The page for the wrong answer offers an explanation of how to solve the clue, then sends readers on to the correct answer page where the story moves on. The publisher states the clues and explanations support second-grade CCSS standards, and this content does seem appropriately challenging for that grade. While this text could certainly enhance a math lesson, it is unlikely to have broad appeal outside of a classroom environment. The math puzzles are the sole focus, and everything else about this book is flat. The characters are diverse in skin color, but lack any personality and are fairly indistinguishable. The language is stilted, reading alternately like a script or a textbook. Although the artwork often enhances the math explanations, the flat comic style does not add much excitement or personality to the work. VERDICT Recommended strictly to supplement a classroom lesson, or offer to puzzle or math enthusiasts.–Elizabeth Lovsin, Deerfield Public Library, IL ”—Elizabeth Lovsin
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The Case of the Carnival Clues
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The Case of the Locked Time Capsule
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The Case of the Missing Class Pet
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The Case of the Missing Cookies
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The Case of the Pencil Problem
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The Case of the School Store Thief
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Mini Math Mysteries
The student detectives at Lincoln Elementary love math—and solving mysteries! Can you help? Each case in these pick-your-own-path books is solvable based on second-grade math problems. Choose the right answer, and advance to the next clue. Choose the wrong answer, and clear text and visuals explain the math and encourage the reader to try again.
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Complete Series of 6: retail $188.10 your price $131.70
“Book Review: Gr 1-3–Oh no! The classroom pet Lucky has escaped! Lucky for the students, their teacher Mr. Jeb was giving a math lesson. In this choose-your-own-adventure–style mystery, the reader gets to choose how to solve the math problems posited by the teacher. Depending on readers’ choices, they will locate the pet—they just have to use math to do so. If they get a math problem wrong, the book gives them chances to get to the correct answer. Once the kids have found Lucky, the associated story wraps up nicely. The illustrations are colorful and vibrant, and they include an inclusive group of students. The math is at the second grade level, but the choices and problems are presented in a simple manner. There’s no glossary, but the hardest words are easily explained with help. VERDICT Recommended for libraries where the other “Mini Math Mysteries” series books are popular.–Kristin Joy Andersonn, Lewis Univ., Romeoville, IL ”—Kristin Joy Andersonn
“Using a choose-your-own-path format, the titles in the Mini Math Mysteries series introduce basic math concepts as readers work along- side Lincoln Elementary School’s second graders to solve a light mystery. After identifying the mystery in each book, the students tack- le four word problems that offer clues. Readers are given two possible solutions and directed to page numbers to verify their answer. If they select the correct answer, they can continue reading and work on the next clue. If they select an incorrect answer, however, the upbeat text explains the error. With a goal of earning a special field trip, students decide how much money they can spend on various school carnival games in The Case of the Carnival Clues. To open a school time capsule, students solve clues about different geometric shapes in The Case of the Locked Time Capsule. In The Case of the Missing Class Pet, students test their measurement skills to locate an escaped class rat (which looks more like a mouse). When an office assistant receives an order for too many pencils, the students use place value, addition, and subtraction to help figure out her error in The Case of the Pencil Problem. Lending to the comprehension are brightly colored digital illustrations with solutions in large, clear fonts and images. —Angela Leeper ”—Angela Leeper