Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares

July 1, 2001
Gr. 2-3. In this lively offering from the Step into Reading + Math series, young readers will learn about both Benjamin Franklin and magic squares--square grids of numerals in which all the numbers in any vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row adds up to the same sum. The text introduces Franklin as a smart, curious kid whose ideas led him to "inventing cool things"; as a witty, intelligent man whose ideas were the seeds of America's first library, fire station, and hospital; and as a "super busy guy" who amused himself during meetings of the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly by creating magic squares. An appended section offers step-by-step directions for those who want to construct their own versions of the mathematical puzzle. The engaging, informal style of the writing and the colorful, cartoonlike illustrations make this a playful but solid choice for introducing young readers to Franklin and to magic squares.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2001
After mentioning some of the ways in which "super busy guy" Ben Franklin was "super smart," Murphy tells how Franklin devised a math puzzle he called "Magic Squares." The book concludes by explaning how readers can generate their own magic squares. While the text's informality may annoy some, the cartoonish illustrations capture the spirit of the narrative.

(Copyright 2001 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)