I’ve just stumbled upon a winsome book entitled Mathamagical by British author, Colin Davies, which looks like a lot of fun and also like an ally in helping ignite your reluctant middle grader’s love of mathematics. Here’s the official synopsis:
Why would Pi stop Dye Ameter walking more than three times round the table? And why would Mr Ameter do what Pi told him? Ben Small is good at English but rubbish at Mathematics. Branded a cheat by the headmaster of Cottomwall Grammar School because of the inconsistencies in his test results Ben feels he has no choice but to run away. Due to the storm he beds down for the night in the science lab of his school where, quite by chance, he meets a talking snake called Adder. Hearing Ben’s story Adder asks Ben to come with him to MATHAMAGICAL, the city of Maths to help them solve an English problem and stop a war with the Advancing Alphas. Join Ben and Adder as they journey across the mathematical landscapes in their quest to save the numbers.
Davis describes Mathamagical as inspired by Alice in Wonderland and his love of mathematics, and in the video excerpt from the book, he also cites the influence of Roald Dahl–all happy influences to friends of Patria! Huzzah!
For the October 1 Guardian a young reader submitted this positive review of Mathamagical. You can find out more about the book here at the Mathamagical Facebook page.
All of which inspires me to sharpen my pencil, grab a fresh eraser, and head off into the world of Mathamagical!