Math Games and Activities from Around the World

Children's Literature

The title of the book is misleading. There is much more than math in Zaslavsky's exhaustive collection of games, puzzles, and patterns. She describes ancient cultures from five different continents and compares and contrasts games of strategy and chance. The sections on puzzles include number fun and logic. The patterns teach symmetry and repetition. Most activities in the book require simple everyday materials, e.g. paper and pencil, a straight edge, and game pieces (usually bottle caps). There are clearly drawn diagrams for every activity to help students make the game boards. Recreating the games connects the players to far off countries and times long past. The similarities across cultures outnumber the differences, which may be the author's most important message to readers. The book concludes with a short section of selected answers, but there aren't many listed. The emphasis is on self-solution to build a stronger feeling of success. This comprehensive activity book is a valuable addition to any classroom. 2003 (orig. 1998), Chicago Review Press, Ages 9 up.
—Tina Dybvik

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

For all of those beleaguered teachers and parents, who want math activities that are enjoyable, this book is a treasure trove of multicultural information and fun. It is filled with more than seventy math games, puzzles, and projects. The description of each math game includes background information, a list of the materials needed to create the game components, and the instructions for play. The black-and-white diagrams are limited but sufficient. Added features are the "things to think about" section and suggestions for changing the rules. The table of contents gets you to the games and there is a bibliography that has two parts-one lists adult books, the other lists children's books. A great resource for school or home.