Figuring out geometry

Gr 5-8-Each title begins with an introduction about the importance of mathematics in daily life. The layouts are clear and colorful, and the explanations are easy to understand. Each topic is presented on a spread with simple step-by-step instructions, for example, for comparing unlike fractions. Boxed and circled areas provide definitions of key terms and further explanations. Colorful cartoon illustrations enliven the texts, and simple line drawings help to clarify mathematical concepts. Many of the subjects include sample questions, with answers on the same page. The first title introduces the different kinds of fractions (mixed and equivalent) and decimals and how to work with them. Powers of 10 and percents are also discussed. The second title explains points, lines, planes, rays and line segments, angles, various shapes, and more. For each book, worksheets are available to download free from the publisher's Web site.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.