Children's Fiction Mysteries & Detective Stories
A Knotty Problem
- Publisher
- Common Deer Press
- Initial publish date
- Oct 2022
- Category
- Mysteries & Detective Stories, Friendship, Soccer, General, Emotions & Feelings
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781988761732
- Publish Date
- Oct 2022
- List Price
- $16.95
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 9 to 12
- Grade: 4 to 6
Description
Tensions Rise Between the Math Kids When Stephanie finds out her soccer team has a tournament on the same day as the district math competition, an upset Justin offers her a choice: choose Math Kids or leave the club. Dismayed by his attitude, Stephanie quits and Catherine goes with her. With their club in shambles, the future of their friendships is further threatened by the news that Justin's dad has been offered a new job and wants to move his family to St. Louis. Jordan, Justin, Catherine, and Stephanie may face the permanent fracture of their friend group and a bleak end to their school year—unless they can come together to overcome some impossible situations. Problem-solving skills apply to much more than homework in the latest addition to the Math Kids series.
About the authors
Shannon O'Toole is a Toronto based illustrator, painter and elementary school teacher. Her playful illustration work is inspired by the unique and humorous characters in her life. Aside from illustrating books for children, Shannon has exhibited her artwork in galleries across Ontario. When she is not drawing, Shannon can be found curled up with her dog, Edgar watching old movies. You can visit her online at www.shannonotooleart.com or follow her on Instagram @shannonotooleart
Editorial Reviews
A Knotty Problem features all of the scintillating brain-twisters that one associates with the series, while its more personal stakes have a grounding effect. The Kids’ abilities may be extraordinary, but the challenges they face are much the same as those that average fifth-graders face, whether over maintaining the bonds of friendship in difficult times, or learning the value of teamwork on a soccer field or during a high-pressure quiz. As always, the book supplies plenty of useful math knowledge, ranging from the concept of the Gordian Knot, which plays a key role in the resolution of Justin’s dilemma, to a biography of George Polya, the “father of problem-solving.” And its characterizations are deft, so that the Kids’ squabbles and efforts to do what’s right are heartwarming. Charming illustrations complement the book’s friendly tone. Capped off with a tense final math showdown (the full solutions for which are included in the book’s informative appendix), A Knotty Problem continues the Math Kids series’ streak of providing entertainment and enlightenment.
Forward Reviews, September/October
The four protagonists are realistic and relatable. As well as modeling problem-solving in real-life situations for readers, they reinforce a key message throughout the series: Math is not just for geeks and not just for school. A Knotty Problem focuses on an idea that many kids—and especially intelligent ones—find challenging: the idea that not every problem has an ideal solution. Shannon O’Toole’s old-school black and white illustrations keep this chapter book accessible, while an appendix at the end explains the Math concepts for readers who want to learn more. Overall, A Knotty Problem is instructive and enjoyable, offering readers a thought-provoking story about how STEM can help with everyday problems and situations.
The Children's Book Review, July 5, 2022
Ably demonstrates finding thoughtful solutions for common problems. Cole’s educational story brims with math problems that characters solve (readers can also find the solutions). The bright, young cast is likable despite Stephanie and Justin’s squabble (both sides have reason to be hurt). And it’s a delight when Catherine and Jordan work hard to fix real-world problems. While this installment is less exciting than others (which involve burglary, kidnapping, etc.), it shows how everyday life can sometimes hit the hardest. O’Toole’s black-and-white artwork leaves lasting impressions, whether filled with detail (Justin’s packed but organized room) or deceptively simple (the Math Kids’ hands raised in unison). A helpful appendix clarifies some of the more complex mathematics, like the order of operations.
Kirkus Reviews, July 2022
"Libraries seeing popularity with the prior Math Kids adventures, as well as newcomers looking for vivid fictional stories embedded with math problem-solving concepts, will find The Math Kids: A Knotty Problem a fine tale that educates as it entertains."
Midwest Book Review
"Libraries seeing popularity with the prior Math Kids adventures, as well as newcomers looking for vivid fictional stories embedded with math problem-solving concepts, will find The Math Kids: A Knotty Problem a fine tale that educates as it entertains." Midwest Book Review
Midwest Book Review, October 2022
Other titles by David Cole
Other titles by Shannon O'Toole
At the Supermarket
An Artificial Test
The Triangle Secret
The Silk Road
At the Aquarium Rescue Centre
At the Aquarium Rescue Centre
The Math Kids An Incorrect Solution
An Encrypted Clue
The Adventures of Grandmasaurus at the Aquarium Rescue Centre
At the Aquarium Rescue Centre
The Adventures of Grandmasaurus
