An Unusual Pattern

by David Cole, Shannon O'Toole (Illustrator)

Overview

A cryptic poemThe Math Kids are at it again! When their new friend, Special Agent Carlson, asks them to take a look at a cryptic poem written by a dying bank robber, they know they will need all of their math skills to crack the case.A bank robbery The poem isn't their only problem, though. Their favourite school janitor is fired for stealing from student lockers. The Math Kids know Old Mike would never do anything like that, but how can they prove it, especially with the new janitor watching their every move? A friend is framed Jordan, Stephanie, Justin, and Catherine will need math, bravery, and a little bit of luck if they hope to solve the bank robbery case and get Old Mike his job back. Will they be able to figure out the unusual pattern in time? Highly recommended, CM Canadian Review of MaterialsHighly recommended, Midwest Book Review This middle grade book• Introduces readers to interactive math and logic problems they can applyto real-life situations• Dives into social issues and problem solving• Includes an appendix for hands-on learning

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781988761374
Publisher:	Common Deer Press
Publication date:	10/01/2019
Series:	The Math Kids , #3
Pages:	120
Sales rank:	1,144,061
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.40(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. Find him on his website or on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.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

Highly Recommended David Cole has written another excellent novel to encourage children to see the value of mathematics in everyday life and help them find the fun and reward of problem-solving. He includes the poem that the first bank robber gave the FBI so that each reader or group of readers can try to find the clues. Of course, the solution is supplied. The Math Club also works on codes, and, through this, readers can learn how to develop their own codes. Other science and general interest questions are included, helping students see that math is found in almost every facet of our lives. Cole shows his love for math and teaching children about mathematics in The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern, an exciting novel that is not only useful in the classroom but will also allow students and their parents to work together during family reading time.

Volume XXVII / Issue 25 - March 5 / 2021 CM: Canadian Review of Materials

The Math Kids are at it again! When their new friend, Special Agent Carlson, asks them to take a look at a cryptic poem written by a dying bank robber, they know they will need all of their math skills to crack the case. The poem isn't their only problem, though. Their favourite school janitor is fired for stealing from student lockers. The Math Kids know Old Mike would never do anything like that, but how can they prove it, especially with the new janitor watching their every move? Jordan, Stephanie, Justin, and Catherine will need math, bravery, and a little bit of luck if they hope to solve the bank robbery case and get Old Mike his job back. Will they be able to figure out the unusual pattern in time? "The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern" by David Cole (who is a math teacher as well as a writer) is very highly recommended for family, school, and community library general fiction collections for children ages 8-11.

Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch: September 2019 - The General Fiction Shelf