A student hovers over a page of math problems from a book or worksheet. They’d rather be anywhere else. Math is boring. Math is useless. Math is a waste of time.

But wait, how can we turn around this young learner to say MATH IS FUN, MATH IS COOL? A good place to start would be with a unique approach known as COOL MATH. Here’s what to expect:

From core curriculum techniques such as multiplying multiples to calculating calculus and probability and division, right through to working out tricky statistics, formulas, and equations in or outside of the classroom, Cool Math will help you work your way out of everyday situations in a way that you’ll never forget.

This lively, engaging book is illustrated throughout to help bring math to life, and topics include how to tip, how to work out the distance of a storm, Fibonacci sequences, cracking codes, and many more! From simple multiplication to complex calculus, math has never been easier. With the Cool Math approach, it’s fun to learn and easy to remember, but difficult to forget!

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The tasks are fun and eye opening as to how numbers work in every day situations. Perfect for middle school! Some of my favorites included MULTIPLICATION MADE EASY (no pencils needed), HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROBABILITY, and PYTHAGOR-WHO? I could go on but to be honest all 50 activities are worth your time. They increase understanding and do it without a worksheet.

Scattered throughout is a DID YOU KNOW? piece highlighting interesting tidbits about the history and background of math concepts. Insightful reading by itself.

The book’s 6 x 8 inch size is handy to carry around or slide into a backpack. While we wait for those shuttered classrooms to open up, this would be a great summer companion. You’ll finally admit Math really is COOL.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration:

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.