Graphing Story Problems (Explorer Junior Library: Math Explorer Junior)

Designed to introduce readers to how graphs tell stories. Readers will see bar, line, pie, and pictographs, as well as tally charts, and be encouraged to read the stories graphs tell and create their own stories. Activities build on the material presented.

Gr 1-4-Each book begins with an introductory chapter ("What Is a Bar Graph?"), then provides three examples, and finishes with a summary section. An activity that can be printed from the publisher's website follows each example; some ask students to make a graph, while others suggest that they use what they have learned to answer questions. The instructions are clearly written and the exercises are often lighthearted. For example, kids are asked to create charts or graphs of things such cows, clouds, pets, and number of books read. Pie Graph is the most challenging volume since creating the right wedge sizes is typically a difficult undertaking. However, the book delivers a solid explanation. The appealing layout features bright colors and a mix of graphs, illustrations, and color photos. These titles are activity-driven (even more exercises can be found in the final chapters and through the websites listed at the back of each volume) and can easily be incorporated into lesson plans. α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.