Clean-Sweep Campers

February 1, 2001
Gr 2-3-Three books intended to instruct and entertain reluctant math students, as well as general readers. Each one concludes with a clear explanation of what has been taught and extra problems to solve. In Spots, an outbreak of chicken pox just before the Autumn Festival at school throws Kip into action. He and the other students create charts and graphs to predict who will be well for the show and keep track of who has been sick. Beginning readers are sure to relate to the dilemma. In Trouble, Mike decides to hide stacks of dirty dishes instead of washing them. Not only do they pile up in the basement, but he must also use math to keep track of the dishes that are being used. Though the intent is clear, this story becomes cumbersome and a bit far-fetched. In Clean-Sweep, fractions fit logically into the context of summer camp. Annie writes home about her messy cabin and how she and the other campers work out a solution for cleaning it up. Dividing into halves, thirds, and finally fourths, the girls learn number skills, as well as practical lessons in cooperation and teamwork. The mathematical concept is skillfully integrated into the engaging story. Lively cartoons aptly capture the activities and the children engaged in them.-Holly T. Sneeringer, St. Mark School, Baltimore, MD

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.