Java Methods: An Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

Rating:
Summary: My high school AP students really did not like this book.
Review: I am a math teacher who can program (not a programmer) and clearly the Litvins are experts. However, I have some terrific AP students (5's on the AP tests, 91% pass rate for over 6 years) and my kids really do not like the Litvin books, find them terribly confusing. We are trying out the Lewis Loftus book and liking it.

Rating:
Summary: A Method for class Class extends Learning
Review: Wow! What a great book for learning Java! Whether you are a beginner to computer programming, or migrating from another language, this book has so much for everybody. Every chapter ends with a summary and a variety of exercises to test yourself (or your students) on the topics presented. In addition, most chapters have at least one Lab and/or Case Study to extend your understanding and your programming skills. The book however is just the beginning. There are numerous Internet references for support, edification and enrichment as well as a terrific companion web site devoted to enhancing the book. The web site contains sample programs from the book, "student" activities, "teacher" solutions, information on Java compilers and IDE's, appendices, I/O classes, etc. As a high school APCS teacher I believe that this book will be an excellent choice for any high school level programming course. The Litvins gently take the new programmer by the hand and first walk them through samples of code just glancing at the details and eventually exposing the full breadth and power of Java.