Mathematickles!

1. Franco, Betsy. 2003. MATHEMATICKLES!. Ill. by Steven Salerno. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0-689-84357-7

2. Summary

This is a collection of poems written in the form of mathematical problems. The poems are grouped according to seasonal themes. The words are formatted into mathematical equations that will intrigue both mathematicians and literature buffs alike.

3. Critical Analysis

In this book of poetry, Franco brings together the analytical thinking of math and the creativity of poetry. Some of the poetry snippets rhyme while others are free verse; simple words come together to make vivid imagery that take the reader through the seasons. The book includes some metaphorical language that create wonderful pictures in the mind such as the line about leave sailing through puddles like ships. The inspiration for these poems is mathematical, but they don’t always follow the mathematical fundamentals they are great examples of wordplay.

Salerno’s watercolor illustrations help the reader’s travel through the seasons. The lovable girl character and friendly animals all play a part in adding to the poetic words. The lively pictures and catchy word equations are sure to interest children in trying it themselves.

4. Awards and Review Excerpts

- AWARDS -

Children’s Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 H.W. Wilson United States

- REVIEW EXCERPTS -

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “This innovative volume of poetry seeks to fuse math and language in a unique and fun way. The poems are necessarily short but make the reader think of things in new and unusual ways.... thinking of it in mathematical terms twists it in such a way that it becomes interesting in a whole other way.”

BOOKLIST review: “Ultimately, they will appeal most to lovers of wordplay. Using this colorful book as a springboard, language arts teachers can challenge their students to write their own mathematickles.”

5. Connections

Have students write their own mathematickels or other fun formats of poetry.

Read other poetry that is written in a different format such as upside down words or in the shape of animals.

Read other poems that travel through the seasons and compare the imagery and adjectives used.