Fun with Roman Numerals

by David A. Adler

Overview

On a scale of I to X, this book is an XI!

An accessible text and colorful illustrations add up to fun in this vibrant guide to Roman Numberals. Page IV, Super Bowl LIII. Built in MMVIII: Roman numerals are everywhere—on clocks, in books, and on buildings. But what do Roman numerals mean, and how does one use them? 

Fun with Roman Numerals is a straightforward and appealing introduction to a timeless topic by the celebrated STEM author and illustrator team behind Place Value; Perimeter, Area and Volume; Working with Fractions; You Can, Toucan, Math; and many other books on basic science and math concepts for kids!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823422555
Publisher:	Holiday House
Publication date:	12/15/2009
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	630L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

David A. Adler is the author of many critically hailed biographies for children, including the best-selling Picture Book Biography series. He lives in the New York City metropolitan area. You can visit his website at www.davidaadler.com.

Editorial Reviews

"This team once again hits a home run....This is the resource for teachers."

"Forthright and easy to understand."

From the Publisher

Gr 2-5

Designed with boldly colored graphics and simple lines, this book takes a contemporary approach to an old topic. While the artwork employs icons and images from ancient Rome, the text introduces Roman numerals by citing modern examples of how they are used: to number chapters and pages in books, on watch faces, and for sports events. Taking a unique approach, Adler suggests that students use coins, each labeled with a specific Roman numeral, to better understand the symbols and how they are written and counted. Several examples are depicted and explained. For the most part, the writing is forthright and easy to understand. However, the page that describes which Roman numerals can be subtracted from which (e.g., "C can only be subtracted from D or M") is a bit confusing. The book ends with a spread of photos showing how Roman numerals are used today, and the back cover presents a helpful list of Roman numerals and their Arabic equivalents. Use this attractive title to supplement Arthur Geisert's Roman Numerals I to MM (Houghton, 1996), which covers the basics and then offers applications with illustrations of pigs.-Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI

School Library Journal

This team once again hits a home run with their latest math title (Working with Fractions, 2007, etc.). Repetition and lots of examples are the keys Adler uses to make Roman numerals both understandable and memorable. Beginning with the seven symbols, the text introduces the concept that their values never change, unlike the Arabic system in common use. Readers then learn when and how to add and subtract to make numbers-Adler relates this to paying for something and getting change back (in fact, one activity encourages readers to use coins to practice writing Roman numerals). Building on this, readers learn how the symbols interact and about the top bar and open box that are used to make even larger numbers. Miller's Roman-themed digital illustrations add humor and interest. The final spread is a collage of photographs showing Roman numerals in real-life settings, encouraging readers to be on the lookout for more. Comprehensive, readable and understandable, with a concrete activity, this is the resource for teachers. (Informational picture book. 7-12)

Kirkus Reviews