How to Be a Math Genius: Your Brilliant Brain and How to Train It

by Mike Goldsmith

In this clever guide, young readers previously daunted by algebra, logic, algorithms, and all things math will discover they are better at it than they thought.

How to be a Math Genius explores the math brain and demonstrates to readers that they use math skills all the time—they just don't know it yet. Packed with math activities and puzzles, compelling stories of math geniuses, math facts and stats, and more, How to be a Math Genius makes the dreaded subject of math both engaging and relevant.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, School, Education, Picture Books

128 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 2012

About the author

Dr. Mike Goldsmith studied the philosophy of time and space at Keele University, where he also obtained his PhD in astrophysics. He was formerly the head of Acoustics at the UK's National Physical Laboratory and is now an author of nonfiction books for children.

Reviews

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just smack full of puzzles of all sort from numbers, to shapes and space to codes and brainteasers. And yes the answers are in the back. If you are the type that can spend hours on this- this book is for you. And the illustrations are great. Flip through. It also gives some history and background. For instance (page 107) on codes you get an explanation on the methods of breaking codes, instructions on how to make a cipher wheel, and then get to try some out. In the number section there is a history of numbers, a chart showing the different type of numbering systems and then some brain games. Here’s a riddle. A Plane takes off from London headed for Japan. After a few hours there is an engine malfunction and the plane crashes on the Italian/Swiss border. Where do they bury the survivors? (you don’t bury survivors). Great interactive book to booklet with kids.

Booklegged for Grade 6 could be Grade 5-8

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives children an opportunity to become interested in numbers.

I wasn't good at calculations when I was a child, but I went to a Japanese-style abacus school twice a week from the age of 7, and after learning the Kumon calculation method from the age of 10, I became good at calculations.

Even now, when I go to the supermarket, I can calculate the total cost just by glancing at the items I've added to my cart.

I rarely use a calculator and always do calculations mentally using an abacus in my head.
For detailed calculations, I need to use a calculator on my smartphone.

Children should learn to get used to numbers while they are very young.
Unfortunately, it's too late once you become an adult.

Children have different abilities when it comes to using the left brain, so if your child is not good at numbers, it would be a good idea to take lessons that will get them interested in numbers, such as the abacus or Kumon method.

And, as explained in this book, "Practice makes perfect" is the key to becoming good at calculations.

▼LEFT-BRAIN SKILLS
・Scientific Thinking
・Mathematical Skills
・Language
・Rational Thought
・Writing Skills

▼RIGHT-BRAIN SKILLS
・Imagination
・Music
・Art
・Spatial Skills
・Insight

[Marqueshia Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for teachers. Inside the books are many visuals for students to see that help explain numbers. I like the book because it makes learning about numbers fun for the student and the teacher ( if math is not your favorite subject to teach). The book goes into many different topics throughout the book, and as a teacher, some of the issues could be used to explain the fundamentals of math. I would start this book by giving students a moment to enjoy math, knowing that what they are doing now is just enjoying what math has to offer. I would read certain pages aloud and then allow students to get a chance to read about a topic in the books they found interesting. I would do this for all grade levels because the book does not emphasize any particular grade level. The other reason I would read this to any student of any grade is that all students can benefit from the knowledge that the book provides.

[Kristen Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to remember this book because it is a great resource that students can flip through. It talks about all different kinds of math and can spark students interest in other kinds of math that they don’t learn about in class.

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 3 out of 5]

485 - 2020

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always trying to do better in math.

[Abdelrhman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some incorrect historical information but a good book overall.

[Indie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great interactive and engaging book for math students. It gives challenges and introduces math skills for readers. It is a good cross curricular book, introducing math skills in a story book.

[Mary Potter-Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is strongly recommended for kids and teens. It is fun as an adult doing the puzzles too, but the main focus is for a younger audience. There is nice historical content, along with a women's contribution section to encourage young girls that math is for them too. Beware of some biases with blanket statements about particular people groups or belief systems, and outdated information on "brain science". However, the visuals are great for stimulating creative thinking and problem solving. I also enjoyed the depth the book goes in the different number systems from various cultures and time periods. Answers for puzzles are easily found at the back of the book to check your understanding. A couple of the answers I would argue, as there are multiple solutions to a couple of the visual problems. Regardless, this book is a great too for developing creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. I would strongly suggest discussing the activities and answers with kids and teens to solidify understanding. Enjoy!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Be a Math Genius: Your Brilliant Brain and How to Train It by Dr. Mike Goldsmith
Dorling Kindersley, 2012
Nonfiction: General Information
128 pages
Recommended for grades 4-6

This book has an appealing layout, with bright cartoon style graphics on double page layouts on various math topics. Between different sections there are short mathematician biography pages with a more business look to them (the cartoon feel drops from these pages). I enjoyed the bios the most perhaps, but I fear those are the pages students will skip! The pages are busy, something to consider when recommending it to younger readers. The puzzles and brain teasers throughout the book are fun, and let's just say...not all super easy. At least I hope they are not supposed to be super easy....or...well, anyway, a fun book!

[Mike Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously I'm not the target market for this book but it did seem like it could be useful to at least give a different perspective than school. But it was a little annoying at points as well. Not sure that it was completely well researched but worth a shot if you need some way to encourage some child in math.

[Rachel Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Full of information about how your brain processes numbers and logic. Great color and info is in easy, bite-size pieces. Still a relevant purchase despite its 2012 publication date. On order for my MS library; I already can't wait to display it because I know some of my math wiz kids will devour it!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Covers a lot of history about math, and it's only towards the middle of the book that it starts helping a person actually learn the how, instead of background. But, I'm going to order this one for me.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting puzzles and such.

[Nishant Choudhary]

Wow