The Great Math Tattle Battle - Hardcover

Anne Brown is an Albert Whitman author.

Grade 1-3–Harley Harrison is a math whiz and a tattler. The second grader observes his classmates and then writes detailed reports filled with simple numerical evidence of their wrongdoings. The reports are shown in full-page illustrations that incorporate numbers, objects, and childlike printing: Erwin chewed the erasers off 8 pencils on Monday 3 pencils on Tuesday...=21 erasers. The adults deal with the boy's disclosures as his classmates complain. Then a new student arrives, and Harley finds his match. Emma Jean corrects his mistakes and begins to tattle in an oddly familiar manner, using calculations to prove her points. The two tell on one another until their teacher pairs them in a math challenge. After working separately and losing time, they cooperate, and the results are rewarding–extra time at recess. They inform their teacher that they will be too busy playing to write any more reports. The striking color cartoon art in soft pastel tones depicts children with expressive faces. The math is cleverly woven into the story and used effectively. Back matter includes a half-dozen Math Tattle Battle Teasers and their solutions. The book is a winning combination of math problems and a true-to-life story.–Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI
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