| The life of early American mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch, famous for his work on techniques of navigation, is fictionalized in this novel for young adults. Although the mathematical details are not discussed (the most detailed mathematical idea is when Nat suggests using a log table for the benefit of one sailor who knows how to add but not multiply), it is clear throughout the book that it is Nat's mathematical skills which enable him to succeed despite many disadvantages. It is also clear that many people benefitted from his work. In this way, the book serves as a good ``advertisement'' for the power of mathematics.
One of the things Nat does in the story is teach navigation techniques to everyone in the crew of the ships on which he worked. These scenes are filled with many comments and ideas concerning mathematics education.
Nat finds errors in published tables used by navigators, invents a new method of determining longitude, teaches himself Latin and French, and reads Newton's Principia. A young girl (later to be his wife) makes a comment that helps him avoid being to quick to anger at other people who are not as smart or quick as him.
| Contributed by
Patrick Hawkins
It is
written for a younger (approximately 5th grade) audience, but it is a
fine example both of mathematics and literature. (I am an English
major, and I can attest to its literary merit). It is the recipient
of the Newberry Medal, a prestigious award. It is a fictionalized
biography concerning Nathaniel Bowditch of Salem, Massachusetts, who
taught himself mathematics and applied his knowledge and love of
detail to sailing. It is both a good read and a good example of
applied mathematics.
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| Contributed by
Anonymous
This is an amazing book that teaches the virtues of love and perseverance over life's bitter setbacks. I highly recommend it to people of all ages, but especially to young students. These kinds of values are not discussed very often in education these days. The subject is human, not political. That fact alone is a breath of fresh air.
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| Contributed by
Valerie Hulderman
Mathematics are discussed throughout this book, but not as formulas. Rather, the reader can see how integral mathematics are in most aspects of life. Nathaniel Bowditch was the kind of person that considered all of God's creation in his decision making and in his daily life. I highly recommend this book to ANY age reader, but particularly to the impressionable 5th through 8th grade student.
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