The Long Wait

June 1, 2000
Gr 1-3-These two easy-to-read books each present a math concept through an interesting story. In The Long Wait, Zack and Josh are eager to board the Cosmic Beetle, a thrill ride at the park, in spite of the long line. By estimating how many people are ahead of them, how many ride the Beetle at once, and how long the ride takes, the boys are able to get a clear picture of how long they'll have to wait. Drama is added when Josh disappears just when it's time to board. In It's About Time, a young boy loses his digital watch and runs into problems reading analog clocks. In trying to keep his lack of knowledge a secret, Max fails to catch the school bus, is late for a surprise party, and misses a horror movie. His family finally notices his plight and teaches him how to tell time through a treasure hunt. Each book stresses that math is useful in real-life situations. Concluding reference charts explore each concept further, and activities are suggested. The clever stories and colorful cartoon-styled illustrations are added bonuses.-Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX

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