How To Be A Math Genius by Dr. Mike Goldsmith
I’m not doing a regular review of this book, but I wanted to mention it, because I found the content interesting and informative. There is much information regarding math history and uses. There is discussion of how the brain works in deciphering math. Activities are included, such as puzzles, tips and experiments. The title isn’t really appropriate, since it has little about training your brain (Your Brilliant Brain and How To Train It is the secondary title).
A big negative is the format. The colored text and backgrounds look appealing, but those plus tiny print make it more difficult to read than it should be.
All in all, I like the book, despite finding it difficult to read.
April 24th, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for April 2013
This month’s selection is as much for the content as the illustrations, though they were delightful also and initially drew me to the book. It’s worthy of notice when an author focuses on choosing to be different or living differently. It is not the most obvious subject, but it is there nonetheless.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
April 21st, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for April 2013
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by this author. She picks unusual topics, and they are intense experiences. Each book was a treat. Her focus on the language is tremendous. She writes for both YA and adult.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
April 5th, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for March 2013
The text for this month’s selection is from a 1949 book. It is a great example of how important illustrations can be. The meaning has been changed by the interpretation of the illustrators, adding depth to the story.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
March 25th, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for Mar 2013
I’m a little late this month. I was busy up until last week and somehow forgot. Was also in the middle of reading this book and wanted to finish it.
This month’s selection is a departure from the author’s most popular works, though it is not her first historical novel.
I borrowed it from the library, primarily because I wanted to read the sequel. Now, I want to read it even more.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
March 10th, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for February 2013
This month’s selection is 2 books with the same character. There is no dialogue, and yet he has great personality through the pictures. I picked them both, primarily because I found them at the same time.
The text is simple enough to use for learning reading or sharing with toddlers.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
February 18th, 2013 by minerva66 | 1 Comment »
Book of the Month for February 2013
I am excited about this month’s selection. It’s nonfiction and political. It’s historical, clarifying an issue that largely our students do not learn or read about. We get dosed with propaganda in a big way regarding the topic. This book shows a much different picture, by a man who has lived closely with the issue.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
February 2nd, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Crosswords – Watson
So far the crosswords are in order by addition to the site. Here is the newest, related to IBM’s computer, Watson.
CROSSWORD
February 1st, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Picture Book of the Month for January 2013
This month’s selection was created by a young design team. It’s not a new book, and it makes me wonder what else they may have done since. It is also not their first book, so I will need to be on the lookout.
Humorous and imaginative! It will especially appeal to young boys.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
January 22nd, 2013 by minerva66 | Comments Off
Book of the Month for January 2013
It is fitting that this is the first book of the year. It is brilliant! One of the best YA novels I have read. The first I’ve read by this author, though there are 2 others I’ve wanted to read. It seriously addresses social issues of our time and our future, though it feels like it is just telling a story. It also incorporates young people in the solution making process, using imagination and creativity.
REVIEW
Current Pick and List of Previous
January 10th, 2013 by minerva66 | 1 Comment »
Note: I have made a point of including books that people of all ages can enjoy. Try some books that are a challenge and some for younger people too--no matter your age.
**Most of the books on this site were written for children and young adults. There are some adult books included because they appeal to younger readers too and because they are transitional for teenage readers.