Sam's Sneaker Squares

April 15, 2002
Reviewed with Lucille Recht Penner's "X Marks the Spot!"

Gr. 1-2. In these two paperbacks, children use graphs and charts for problem solving. In "Sneaker Squares," Sam knows that mowing Mr. Hill's backyard takes longer than cutting Mrs. Green's grass, but he doesn't know how to prove to Mr. Hill that he should pay more than Mrs. Green. Sam's older brother shows him how to take measurements and figure out the area. Once Mr. Hill sees Sam's charts showing the difference in area, he agrees to pay a higher charge. Clarity and humor of both writing and illustrations make this an entertaining choice as well as a useful one for demonstrating the concept of area. In" "X Marks, brothers Leo and Jake move into their grandfather's old house, where they find several treasure maps. Each map is a chart that they must follow, block by block, to discover the many treasures of their new hometown. Written with a good sense of the small-scale adventures that appeal to children, the story will leave readers wishing they had such an imaginative and understanding grandfather. Smath's detailed, light-dappled illustrations amplify the fun in this duo from the Math Matters series. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)