Contributed by
David Allan
In this story, Julie falls asleep on her algebra book after
spending a few frustrating minutes trying to finish her homework. An
imaginary number comes to visit her in her room, and transports her
to the
land of Mathematics. There, she befriends a gebra who helps her
through some
adventures until she is finally able to return. It's the Wizard of
Oz +
Through the Looking Glass + lots of mathematical wordplay and fun.
Ms.
Isdell began this book when she was in eighth grade. I believe she
is now a
college student. She has also written a chemical sequel, The Chemy
Called
Al.
It's been a little while since I read it, and keeping in
mind that
it's a first novel, written by a kid:
For math content, I'll give it a 4.
For literary quality, I'll also give it a 4.
But, I'd include a note that suggests an audience in grade 6-8 or
so,
someone with some algebraic concepts under his belt.
By the way, the one review on Amazon.com is mine.
You can
read how I felt about the book shortly after reading it with my
son.
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