Career Ideas for Kids Who Like Math

Children's Literature

Part of an extensive series of career awareness books by the same author that are geared toward readers at the middle school and above level, this particular volume addresses vocational choices in areas involving math. Sadly, many students see math as one of their least favorite subject However, for those youngsters with a math bent, this book can stimulate thinking about how to make a living with their talents. Math lies at the heart of occupations as diverse as geographer, traffic planner, economist, auto mechanic, an actuarial accountant. These and quite a number of other divergent career pathways are touched upon in this cleverly constructed book. The author leads off with a series of interest inventories that young readers may find enlightening. What follows is a synopsis of fifteen different careers that incorporate math or statistics. In each career area the basic education and training requirements as well as job responsibilities are detailed. Then a minibiography of a person actually fulfilling that career role is presented. Additionally, resource information related to the specific career or learning activities that are correlated to that field are presented. A particular emphasis is placed upon internet sources relating to the careers presented. Finally, the author presents ways that youngsters can get first hand information and experiences in math fields so that they can make better career planning decisions. The inclusion of people actually filling the various career roles is particularly useful. Taken as a whole, this career awareness text is both informative and engaging, and is highly recommended to math teachers, career educators, parents, and counselors. 2000, CheckmarkBooks, Ages 10 up, $12.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Reeves looks at an amazing array of career options for the mathematically inclined. The introduction presents information and tests to guide students toward capitalizing on their interests and academic strengths. Arranged alphabetically, the text examines careers, from actuaries to urban planners, and highlights helpful skills and shortcuts that may help individuals in trying out particular occupations. Professional organizations are listed as possible sources for further information, and profiles are offered of practitioners working in each field, including their childhood aspirations, first jobs, and current occupations. It will be interesting for youngsters to read about the serendipitous routes some people take before arriving at the jobs of their dreams. The author encourages readers to check out Web sites, read career encyclopedias, and shadow a professional. Altogether, an excellent addition to any library.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Book Report

Reeves helps youngsters make their own decisions about potential future careers...Recommended.

Kendal Rautzhan

Praise for the series: "The best I've read . . . [They're] written in an engaging style that will click with kids."
—The Dallas Morning News