A Gebra Named Al: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: A Novel That Fails on Every Level
Review: Although this book appeals to teachers as it is ostensibly a tool for making math and science more fun for kids, I would advise them to think twice before assigning it, especially if they intend to use it in a junior high or high school classroom.
Firstly, the writing is extremely poor--Ms. Isdell seems to come from the school of thought which dictates that the largest word is always the best. However, the polysyllabic words she uses often do not work as well within the context as would their monosyllabic synonyms, and consequently the writing sounds extremely forced. It is not insignificant that this story was entered in a contest, because one gets the distinct feeling that she was writing mainly to impress. Moreover, the plot is unlikely to appeal to anyone over the age of eight, yet the subject matter is too advanced for anyone that young. The majority of older students will doubtlessly find it painfully dull.
This book has been labeled "educational"; however, after reading it one must wonder how much students can learn by reading it. Perhaps a careful reader might glean a few random facts from it, yet one can expect little more than that. Contrary to its title, few algebra concepts are introduced. The order of operations is described in detail and there is a passing reference to perfect squares. There are also several fairly brief digressions discussing various science concepts (such as the structure of atoms, the elements, and mitosis) which the average reader would be inclined to skim or skip completely. One would be hard pressed to find any more information than this.
In short, reading this book felt like having to choke down a particularly vile pill which did nothing but give me a stomach ache. If one must try to make math and/or science more enjoyable to students, one at least ought to choose a different book.


Rating:
Summary: High hopes, but quite forced
Review: As a preservice teacher planning to teach math in middle school, I read this book hoping that I would be able to incorporate it into a unit I'm developing that will connect liturature with mathematics. However, this story just seemed too forced. It might be used as an example of how students can get their work published (the author began writing this story in eighth grade and it was published her senior year of high school), but I don't plan on using it for my unit anymore. If you're looking for a book that creatively merges math with literature, then I would HIGHLY suggest "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Jester.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good
Review: I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Not too bad for something written by a 13-year-old kid. Not too bad at all.

Obviously anybody who doesn't like it just didn't "get" it. ;-)

Rating:
Summary: Fun! My kids ate it up!
Review: I usually try to find "creative" ways in which to interest my young ones in school. Math was always a problem... But that was before I found this book. It's incredible that a girl not even in high school could write such a creative, entertaining, and witty book. My kids adored it! I can even get them to describe the Order of Operations backwards and forwards. Amazing!

Rating:
Summary: Fun! My kids ate it up!
Review: I usually try to find "creative" ways in which to interest my young ones in school. Math was always a problem... But that was before I found this book. It's incredible that a girl not even in high school could write such a creative, entertaining, and witty book. My kids adored it! I can even get them to describe the Order of Operations backwards and forwards. Amazing!

Rating:
Summary: MOST DULL BOOK EVER WRITTEN
Review: This book is so bad that it doesn't even deserve a one. I think the author of this book is a complete loser that has absolutely NO FRIENDS WHATSOEVER. If you have a choice to read this book, I STRONGLY RECOMEND NOT READING IT!!!

Rating:
Summary: WORST BOOK EVER!
Review: This book was assigned to me for Math summer reading. First, the book focuses more on science than math! Secondly, this is one of the worst books I have ever read in my life! (You can tell this from the dedication page - "to Jerion - the imaginary number" how sweet - NOT) No kids under the age of 8 will enjoy the storyline. Please, avoid this book!