BIBLIOGRAPHY
Franco, Betsy. 2003. Mathematickles!. Ill. New York
PLOT SUMMARY
Mathematickles! is an individual poet compilation of mathematical brain teaser poems centered around the theme of the seasons. A girl and her cat are characters present in the illustrations throughout the book though they are not mentioned in the poetry. The poetry, however, focuses on the changing of the seasons.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This unconventional poetry book does not feature poems with rhythm, rhyme, or the elements of poetry to which most are accustom. However, these math puzzlers are a wonderful combination of poetic language and mathematical equations. Reluctant math students will not be intimidated by these simple puzzles presented with colorful, whimsical illustrations. The central topic is the changing of the seasons, and this topic is presented through the poems, such as "feet-shoes+grass=barefoot", as well as through the vibrant watercolor illustrations. As students read these creative puzzles, they will be exposed to language and math concepts presented in an artistic approach.
REVIEW EXERPTS
School Library Journal (October 01, 2004)- “These cleverly conceived and lively little poems teasingly blend words with mathematical concepts and symbols. Imaginative double-page, watercolor-and-gouache illustrations rev up the fun, season by season.”
Publishers Weekly (June 16, 2003)- “Franco plus Salerno
CONNECTIONS
- Have students write their own mathmatickle focusing on a season. They can publish the poem on a cutout of something that represents the season such as a leaf or pumpkin for fall or a snowflake for winter.
- Use Franco’s teacher’s resource book Math Poetry: Linking Language and Math in a
ISBN: 1596470720 to further explore the math and language integration.
Fresh Way: Grades 2-5: Teacher Resource - Use Franco’s book Unfolding Mathematics with Unit Origami to further explore the mathematics and art correlation.
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