An Artificial Test

by David Cole, Shannon O'Toole (Illustrator)

Overview

With their vacation plans and the safety of London at risk, the Math Kids are in for their most complex

case yet!

After a tough end to the school year, the Math Kids—Jordan, Justin, Stephanie, and Catherine—take a

jet to London for an exciting summer vacation. But between exploring the city and seeing the sights,

they're quickly drawn into investigations of terrorist activity.

Authorities are on high alert because of threats to landmarks across the city. But there's something odd

about the messages. Working alongside Bobby, a police officer tasked with being their trip guide, the

kids must uncover the true purpose of a mysterious online message board or risk being sent home

early.

This brain-teasing math mystery will be a hit with kids eager to solve puzzles with the characters. -- Booklife

Finalist for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781988761763
Publisher:	Common Deer Press
Publication date:	04/01/2023
Series:	The Math Kids , #8
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.08(w) x 8.76(h) x 0.46(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

David Cole has been interested in math since he was a very young boy. He pursued degrees in math and computer science and has shared this love of math at many levels, including teaching at the college level, coaching elementary math teams, and running a summer math camp. He also has a love of writing and has written a number of plays that have been performed. The Math Kids was born of a desire to combine his interests and exercise both sides of his brain at the same time.

Shannon O'Toole has been illustrating children's books since 2018. Originally a figurative painter, Shannon has been exploring new ways to tell stories through her art. Her artistic practices are inspired by the many unique characters and people in her life. In addition to her work in children's books, Shannon is an elementary school teacher. When she is not painting, she can be found drinking coffee, watching classic movies and exploring new recipes in her kitchen. Shannon lives and works outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Editorial Reviews

5 stars The Math Kids are here for another adventure- and I LOVE that this one is set in London, and that they must save the landmarks across the city! These chapter books give SO much learning- geography, math, problem-solving, social/emotional- while also being entertaining and interesting. The addition of math problems throughout (with diagrams/graphs), as well as pictures, really makes these stories engaging! If you have a math lover in your family or class, these will definitely be a hit!— Mrs.MakesReadingFun Goodreads

Another excellent story from this multifaceted series. ...the story is fast-paced and exciting, combining intrigue and mystery with all the relationships and emotional drama that come with middle-school friendships. Readers will stretch their skills with real math puzzles embedded in the narrative while the characters model problem-solving, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence for them. The story also weaves in the history and culture of London, providing yet another educational facet— The Children's Book Review

A surprisingly topical and worthy addition to the series, providing gripping suspense as well as brain-puzzling fun.— Foreword Reviews

The chief joy of the series remains the invitation to solve these puzzles alongside the kids. When a math or logic question is presented, a text box encourages readers to try and work out the answers themselves before continuing with the story, a smart, STEM-minded update on classic kid-detective books. O’Toole’s attractive and detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout highlight key scenes and moments, bringing vivid life to the cast and to London. Any clever kids and adults alike who enjoy solving riddles and the triumphant feeling of solving the case will find this book an absolute delight.— BookLife

The Math Kids: An Artificial Test is another excellent story from this multifaceted series. ...the story is fast-paced and exciting, combining intrigue and mystery with all the relationships and emotional drama that come with middle-school friendships. Readers will stretch their skills with real math puzzles embedded in the narrative while the characters model problem-solving, growth mindset, and emotional intelligence for them. The story also weaves in the history and culture of London, providing yet another educational facet— The Children's Book Review

An abundantly diverting middle grade mystery seasoned with history and intrigue…A fast-moving plot, and the characters’ fun banter will encourage even reluctant readers to test the waters. Full of mystery, puzzles, and intrigue, this solid, tightly plotted read is a winner for middle graders. Un-put-downable.— The Prairies Book Review

An action-packed tale full of surprises that will keep any reader entertained.— Children's Literature

From the Publisher

An abundantly diverting middle grade mystery seasoned with history and intrigue...A fast-moving plot, and the characters’ fun banter will encourage even reluctant readers to test the waters. Full of mystery, puzzles, and intrigue, this solid, tightly plotted read is a winner for middle graders. Un-put-downable.

The Prairies Book Review

The chief joy of the series remains the invitation to solve these puzzles alongside the kids. When a math or logic question is presented, a text box encourages readers to try and work out the answers themselves before continuing with the story, a smart, STEM-minded update on classic kid-detective books. O’Toole’s attractive and detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout highlight key scenes and moments, bringing vivid life to the cast and to London. Any clever kids and adults alike who enjoy solving riddles and the triumphant feeling of solving the case will find this book an absolute delight.

BookLife