Dream Jobs in Math

April 1, 2017
Gr 4-7-Know any future atom smashers? Inferno artists? Kids with planet-sized ambitions? Then they might wish to study particle physics, visual effects, or biostatistics. Resembling Prezi or Glogster slides, layouts are filled with bold photos and text in circles or slanted graphics. Each title profiles 10 jobs. Technology is especially forward-thinking, covering user experience designers, -cloud architects- (data storage), and -ethical hackers- (security testers). There is a color change for each entry, and the photos are current and accurately reflect the text. While job descriptions are an overview at best, the fact boxes and captioned images will draw middle schoolers to unique problem-solving careers, such as studying the -internet of things- and figuring out how to make smart objects communicate with one another. VERDICT No problem luring middle school techies to STEM with these entries on uber cool leading-edge jobs.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2017
Grades 5-8 An impressive variety of math-related careers are on display here, 12 in total, ranging from climate modeling and transportation planning to the more flashy fields of visual effects programming, cryptology, and sports statistics. Part of the Cutting-Edge Careers in STEM series, this book does a good job of getting readers to think broadly and practically. Each general job category gets a two-page spread, with a graphics-forward layout that gives a quick job description, examples of where one might work, and an educational path. Handy career notes, which appear throughout, describe how much time one might spend in an office or traveling or whether a certain job requires giving presentations. The book's information is light but grounded, making it a useful preliminary resource to get mathematically inclined readers thinking about their futures.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)