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

Synopsis

From the author of the runaway bestseller Math Doesn't Suck, the next step in the math curriculum-- pre-Algebra.

Last year, actress and math genius Danica McKellar made waves nationwide, challenging the "math nerd" stereotype-and giving girls the tools to ace tests and homework in her unique just-us-girls style. Now, in Kiss My Math, McKellar empowers a new crop of girls-7th to 9th graders-taking on the next level of mathematics: pre-Algebra.

Stepping up not only the math, but also the sass and style, Kiss My Math will help math-phobic teenagers everywhere chill out about math, and finally "get" negative numbers, variables, absolute values, exponents, and more. Each chapter features:

• Step-by-step instruction
• Time-saving tips and tricks
• Illuminating practice problems with detailed solutions
• Real-world examples
• True stories from Danica's own life as a student and actress

Kiss My Math also includes more fun extras--including personality quizzes, reader polls, and real-life testimonials-- ultimately revealing why pre-Algebra is easier, more relevant, and more glamorous than girls think.

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 is also an internationally recognized mathematician. She was chosen as ABC World News Tonight's "Person of the Week" for writing Math Doesn't Suck and has recently been featured in Newsweek and The New York Times, and on the CBS Early Show, and NPR's Science Friday.