Discovering Graph Secrets: Experiments, Puzzles, and Games Exploring Graphs

Children's Literature - Karen Saxe

The idea of this book is to introduce kids to four basic kinds of graphs-line graphs, bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts. The reader is taught not only how to read and interpret these graphs, but also how to collect data to make their own graphs and how to choose the type of graph that is best suited to convey the information they want to convey. It is meant to be used interactively; that is, readers are encouraged along the way to do pencil and paper work (and solutions are given in the back of the book). Lots of information can be gleaned from this book: how to plot ordered pairs of numbers, the very beginnings of coding theory, how politicians use surveys, why cereals filled with air sell better. This book is well-done and attractive; it should help pre-teens to understand the use of graphs and facilitate reading newspapers and other materials in which graphs are used to present and analyze data.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8Several activities that use brief puzzle or "mystery" stories are proposed to help children master the concept of graphs. These problems are lucid, and the above-average illustrations, consisting of a variety of graphs as well as color photos, are crisp and clear. If all else fails, the solutions are at the back of the book. The environmental activities, such as observing birds or graphing the family recycling, are especially helpful. Bar, line, and circle graphs are all included. This volume should be warmly received and as useful as Markle's earlier activity books. Though most helpful in an educational setting, the book will also appeal to families who enjoy learning together.Jody McCoy, Lakehill Preparatory School, Dallas, TX