Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss by Danica McKellar

Product Details

Synopsis

The New York Times bestseller-from the author of Math Doesn't Suck-teaches girls how to kick pre-algebra butt

In her New York Times bestselling books, actress and math genius Danica McKellar shatters the "math nerd" stereotype and gives girls the tools to ace middle-school math in her unique, just-us-girls style. Now, in her second book, Kiss My Math, McKellar empowers a new crop of girls-seventh to ninth graders-to tackle the next level of mathematics: pre-algebra.

Stepping up not only the math but the sass and style, McKellar helps math-phobic teenagers chill out and finally "get" negative numbers, variables, absolute values, exponents, and more. As she did so effectively in Math Doesn't Suck, McKellar uses personality quizzes, reader polls, real-life testimonials, and stories from her own life-in addition to clear instruction, helpful tips, and practice problems-revealing why pre-algebra is easier, more relevant, and more glamorous than girls think. McKellar is clearly reaching her audience: parents, teachers, and especially girls are asking for more.

VOYA

McKellar's newest book on pre-algebra is designed to help those teens struggling with math. The book is broken down into five manageable sections: numbers; variables; x; exponents; and functions. Each section has several chapters focusing on parts of the theme, and chapters features step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks, and practice problems. Throughout the text are testimonials from successful women who use math in their jobs and McKellar's diary segments, with stories from her teenage life. One might ask, "How is this book any different from the math books that schools and libraries already have?" McKellar understands teens. She speaks their language. She gives practical examples that have meaning to teens. And honestly, she makes math fun. Anyone who can do that has a hit on her hands. There are only two drawbacks to this book. The examples and conversations McKellar has with the reader are very girl oriented, which is part of her goal of making more girls comfortable with math, but may turn off boy readers. The second drawback is that teens will only pick it up if they are struggling. If this book was used as supplemental material in a class, more teens would be forced to try it and learn that her tips are worthwhile. As one who uses calculators to do simple addition, this reviewer learned something. Reviewer: Kristin Fletcher-Spear

Biography

Best known for her roles on The Wonder Years and The West Wing, Danica McKellar graduated summa cum laude in mathematics from UCLA, went on to co-write a published math theorem, and continues to be an outspoken role model for young women to excel in math.