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Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci
As a young boy in medieval Italy, Leonardo Fibonacci thought about numbers day and night. He was such a daydreamer that people called him a blockhead.
When Leonardo grew up and traveled the world, he was inspired by the numbers used in different countries. Then he realized that many things in nature, from the number of petals on a flower to the spiral of a nautilus shell, seem to follow a certain pattern. The boy who was once teased for being a blockhead had discovered what came to be known as the Fibonacci Sequence!
When Leonardo grew up and traveled the world, he was inspired by the numbers used in different countries. Then he realized that many things in nature, from the number of petals on a flower to the spiral of a nautilus shell, seem to follow a certain pattern. The boy who was once teased for being a blockhead had discovered what came to be known as the Fibonacci Sequence!
Hardcover
First published March 30, 2010
3 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Joseph D'Agnese
72 books61 followersJoseph D’Agnese is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other national publications. His work has twice appeared in Best American Science Writing (HarperCollins). His children's picture book, BLOCKHEAD: THE LIFE OF FIBONACCI, was chosen as an honor book for the Mathical Book Prize—the first-ever prize for math-themed children's books. His crime fiction has been selected by guest editor/author James Patterson for inclusion in the prestigious anthology, Best American Mystery Stories 2015, D'Agnese lives in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 16, 2023
If I simply were to approach Joseph D'Agnese's Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci as solely a narrative and thus on a completely textual and thematic level, I could easily and without any hesitation whatsoever be ranking it with a glowing five stars, as the author not only tells the both interesting and important life story of Leonardo Fibonacci (and as an engaging, approachable first person narrative at that), the information on Fibonacci's math, on his number theories, as well as on his famous "rabbit problem" are depicted, are described in a logical and scientifically sound fashion (and in a way that even mathematical failures like I tend to be can easily understand and retain).
However and all the above having been said, as Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is a non fiction biography and covers important history, science and mathematical information, I am really and sadly majorly annoyed and disappointed that there are no suggestions for further reading, no bibliographical lists and that even the author's note at the back, while adequate, really should have been a bit more substantial (especially considering how important Fibonacci numbers are, how his contributions and discoveries are an essential part of almost any type of math and mathematical pattern recognition, and how his number patterns are found over and over again in all aspects of life, in both man-made structures and in nature, especially, in particular, in how many plants, seeds and such are structured). And thus, only a high three star rating for Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci (as I also do not all that much enjoy John O'Brien's accompanying illustrations, appreciating the depictions of buildings, of architectural structures, but yes, finding the human figures kind of creepy, with the hairdos in particular looking more like strange woolen hats than actual hair). However, and my own quibbles with certain aspects of this book quite notwithstanding, I still do in fact highly recommend Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci, as Joseph D'Agnese's text really does do a simply amazing job introducing not only Leonardo Fibonacci as a historical (and yes a living and breathing) figure, but also wonderfully, with understated and easy to understand truth explaining Fibonacci numbers.
However and all the above having been said, as Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is a non fiction biography and covers important history, science and mathematical information, I am really and sadly majorly annoyed and disappointed that there are no suggestions for further reading, no bibliographical lists and that even the author's note at the back, while adequate, really should have been a bit more substantial (especially considering how important Fibonacci numbers are, how his contributions and discoveries are an essential part of almost any type of math and mathematical pattern recognition, and how his number patterns are found over and over again in all aspects of life, in both man-made structures and in nature, especially, in particular, in how many plants, seeds and such are structured). And thus, only a high three star rating for Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci (as I also do not all that much enjoy John O'Brien's accompanying illustrations, appreciating the depictions of buildings, of architectural structures, but yes, finding the human figures kind of creepy, with the hairdos in particular looking more like strange woolen hats than actual hair). However, and my own quibbles with certain aspects of this book quite notwithstanding, I still do in fact highly recommend Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci, as Joseph D'Agnese's text really does do a simply amazing job introducing not only Leonardo Fibonacci as a historical (and yes a living and breathing) figure, but also wonderfully, with understated and easy to understand truth explaining Fibonacci numbers.
July 21, 2011
This is the story of the famous Leonardo of Pisa, Leonardo Fibonacci, who is considered to be the greatest western Middle Ages mathematician. It’s also the story of how specific numbers are integral to Mother Nature’s overall design.
Both aspects of the story are fascinating.
The part about the boy/man is interesting because it shows that making a point of learning what most interests you can lead to great things, as well as being simply personally rewarding. I also like how it shows what a young person might be bullied about might end up being one of their strengths and gratifying accomplishments. I did feel as though the author here was trying to make this man of the Middle Ages relatable to today’s children and didn’t always agree with the vernacular used, etc. But this is an engaging story.
The part about the famous Fibonacci Sequence and other natural wonders that fit with those numbers is entertaining and enlightening, and more than a tad spine tingling. I love how in the note at the end, it’s pointed out that not just the natural world, but human made objects too have those same numbers as part of them. It’s an amazing phenomenon. However various readers choose to account for these patterns, it’s very cool no matter what their interpretation.
I loved the illustrations. I actually think in some ways they did a better job than the story text of reflecting the time period and circumstances.
I appreciated some of the simple observations readers are encouraged to make, such as viewing a cut apple or lemon, looking at the number of petals on flowers, etc. They encourage kids to actively participate by being naturalists/scientists, and mathematicians themselves.
As someone who didn’t appreciate numbers until I was in adulthood, I think this book might have helped me appreciate them earlier than I did. I’m still not exactly a “numbers person” but here their magical qualities shine through.
4 ½ stars
Both aspects of the story are fascinating.
The part about the boy/man is interesting because it shows that making a point of learning what most interests you can lead to great things, as well as being simply personally rewarding. I also like how it shows what a young person might be bullied about might end up being one of their strengths and gratifying accomplishments. I did feel as though the author here was trying to make this man of the Middle Ages relatable to today’s children and didn’t always agree with the vernacular used, etc. But this is an engaging story.
The part about the famous Fibonacci Sequence and other natural wonders that fit with those numbers is entertaining and enlightening, and more than a tad spine tingling. I love how in the note at the end, it’s pointed out that not just the natural world, but human made objects too have those same numbers as part of them. It’s an amazing phenomenon. However various readers choose to account for these patterns, it’s very cool no matter what their interpretation.
I loved the illustrations. I actually think in some ways they did a better job than the story text of reflecting the time period and circumstances.
I appreciated some of the simple observations readers are encouraged to make, such as viewing a cut apple or lemon, looking at the number of petals on flowers, etc. They encourage kids to actively participate by being naturalists/scientists, and mathematicians themselves.
As someone who didn’t appreciate numbers until I was in adulthood, I think this book might have helped me appreciate them earlier than I did. I’m still not exactly a “numbers person” but here their magical qualities shine through.
4 ½ stars
July 11, 2011
At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the story of a long-dead mathematician, of whom very little is actually known, being told in the first person and with some vernacular such as "yuck!" and "This Leonardo is one smart cookie!" Nor that Fibonacci's nickname, Bigollo, translated often as "wonderer" or "traveler" but can also mean "idler, dreamer or lazy person" was turned into "Blockhead" (they seem different to me). But, on the whole, the story works well and conveys some challenging concepts (i.e., the Fibonacci sequence) in an engaging and creative way. Best of all, I loved the exchange between Alfredo and the bullied young mathematician:
"I think people are happiest when they know what pleases them," said Alfredo. "Me, I love cheese. And you, Master Leonardo, what makes you happiest?"
"Numbers," I said, without thinking.
"Then you should learn all you can about them. That way, you will always be happy."
The ending, showing how the Fibonacci sequence is seen throughout nature, is so beautiful and almost magical through the words and illustrations used.
"I think people are happiest when they know what pleases them," said Alfredo. "Me, I love cheese. And you, Master Leonardo, what makes you happiest?"
"Numbers," I said, without thinking.
"Then you should learn all you can about them. That way, you will always be happy."
The ending, showing how the Fibonacci sequence is seen throughout nature, is so beautiful and almost magical through the words and illustrations used.
July 8, 2019
In this informal picture-book biography of Leonardo Fibonacci of Pisa - the 12th/13th century mathematician who introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe, and for whom the Fibonacci Numbers were named - Joseph D'Agnese imagines what life might have been like for a young boy and man whose quick mind always kept him slightly out-of-step with his peers. Labeled a "blockhead" by a teacher, because his mind would wander in class (as a result of being done with his mathematical problems first!), Leonardo is counseled by his father's advisor, Alfredo, to learn as much as he can about the thing that pleases him most - numbers.
An engaging look at an important figure in the history of mathematics, Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is somewhat speculative in nature (as the author freely acknowledges in his brief afterword), as little is know of Fibonacci's life. Still, D'Agnese takes what is known, and fleshes it out, producing a story that is both informative, with its examination, not just of Fibonacci's life, but of the importance of Hindu-Arabic numerals and the Fibonacci Sequence, and also entertaining. The accompanying artwork by John O'Brien has an interesting textured quality to it, with subtle dots and lines throughout that hold the eye. I don't know that this is so outstanding that I would list it amongst my favorite picture-book biographies - a little too informal and colloquial in tone for my taste - but it is still well worth picking up, for young readers interested in mathematics, or in Fibonacci.
An engaging look at an important figure in the history of mathematics, Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is somewhat speculative in nature (as the author freely acknowledges in his brief afterword), as little is know of Fibonacci's life. Still, D'Agnese takes what is known, and fleshes it out, producing a story that is both informative, with its examination, not just of Fibonacci's life, but of the importance of Hindu-Arabic numerals and the Fibonacci Sequence, and also entertaining. The accompanying artwork by John O'Brien has an interesting textured quality to it, with subtle dots and lines throughout that hold the eye. I don't know that this is so outstanding that I would list it amongst my favorite picture-book biographies - a little too informal and colloquial in tone for my taste - but it is still well worth picking up, for young readers interested in mathematics, or in Fibonacci.
August 10, 2010
Attention math teachers- better get this and start up some lesson plans, aided by some suggestions for activities in the back! Very interesting about Fibonacci's life and his curiosity. The math concepts are clearly presented and the illustrations really contribute to the fun of the book.
March 7, 2025
Math (picture book) biography for Y2. Loved it!
April 22, 2010
I saw this book in the Goodreads giveaways and when I read the summary, I really hoped I'd win a copy. Even though I knew it was a long shot, I was disappointed when I didn't win.
So when our local library displayed this book in the new books section, I was thrilled and I picked it up right away! It's a wonderful story of numbers and a boy's willingness to devote his energy to the thing he loved the most, despite the name-calling and teasing that it generated. And it shows how Leonardo Pisano Bogollo (more famously known as Fibonacci) found success and is considered by some to be "the most talented western mathematician of the Middle Ages." It demonstrated how he realized that using the Hindu-Arabic numerals was an easier way to compute mathematical formulas versus using Roman numerals, and was responsible for spreading this "new" numeral system throughout Europe.
Although I had heard of the Fibonacci sequence, I never truly examined how ubiquitous the numbers are and how elegently they are displayed throughout nature. While reading this book to our girls, I was fascinated and I believe I learned as much from the story as they did. The illustrations are wonderful and the designs incorporate the Fibonacci numbers throughout. The gorgeous swirls and patterns in the illustrations, the inspiring tale, the math lesson and the subtle, but clever humor combine to make a wonderful story.
This is definitely a book I'd like to read again.
So when our local library displayed this book in the new books section, I was thrilled and I picked it up right away! It's a wonderful story of numbers and a boy's willingness to devote his energy to the thing he loved the most, despite the name-calling and teasing that it generated. And it shows how Leonardo Pisano Bogollo (more famously known as Fibonacci) found success and is considered by some to be "the most talented western mathematician of the Middle Ages." It demonstrated how he realized that using the Hindu-Arabic numerals was an easier way to compute mathematical formulas versus using Roman numerals, and was responsible for spreading this "new" numeral system throughout Europe.
Although I had heard of the Fibonacci sequence, I never truly examined how ubiquitous the numbers are and how elegently they are displayed throughout nature. While reading this book to our girls, I was fascinated and I believe I learned as much from the story as they did. The illustrations are wonderful and the designs incorporate the Fibonacci numbers throughout. The gorgeous swirls and patterns in the illustrations, the inspiring tale, the math lesson and the subtle, but clever humor combine to make a wonderful story.
This is definitely a book I'd like to read again.
June 11, 2020
Me ha encantado leer la historia de la vida de Fibonacci, famoso por la secuencia de números, en un cuento infantil que transmite mucho más que solo la vida de este hombre. Muy bonito y muy recomendable.
February 17, 2011
I love this book! It reminds me a little of the Sir Cumference book about math. In picture book format, it follows the life of Leonardo Fibonacci in a way that is both engaging and easily understood. Even as an adult, it made me curious about how the Fibonacci Sequence. I loved learning about how the Fibonacci sequence of 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55... are numbers that occur in patterns throughout nature. The book illustrates ways Fibonacci found his recurring pattern.
Fibonacci, the man modern mathematicians regard as the greatest Western math mind of the Middle Ages, was called "Blockhead" and "Idiot" throughout his life. Hmm....this gives me hope with my inane math skills and over active imagination! For all his work, Leonardo Fibonacci is best known for the number pattern in his famous rabbit problem. This same sequence that we know now describes how living things prosper, such as flowers and mollusks. The numbers even pop up in works of human imagination--buildings, music, art, and poetry.
Leonardo may have not had the most common sense in the world, but he shared a curiosity about the earth and its wonders which many children (and adults like myself) are certain to connect with. His ability to think for himself (and put aside the thoughts and opinions of others), to think outside the box, and to build his daydreams into a numerical reality radiate warmth, truth, and beauty. This book captures those feelings perfectly and reminds us that great minds are frequently less understood and mocked by simpler minded individuals.
Fibonacci, the man modern mathematicians regard as the greatest Western math mind of the Middle Ages, was called "Blockhead" and "Idiot" throughout his life. Hmm....this gives me hope with my inane math skills and over active imagination! For all his work, Leonardo Fibonacci is best known for the number pattern in his famous rabbit problem. This same sequence that we know now describes how living things prosper, such as flowers and mollusks. The numbers even pop up in works of human imagination--buildings, music, art, and poetry.
Leonardo may have not had the most common sense in the world, but he shared a curiosity about the earth and its wonders which many children (and adults like myself) are certain to connect with. His ability to think for himself (and put aside the thoughts and opinions of others), to think outside the box, and to build his daydreams into a numerical reality radiate warmth, truth, and beauty. This book captures those feelings perfectly and reminds us that great minds are frequently less understood and mocked by simpler minded individuals.
May 7, 2010
If you have a "must have" shelf that you have created as an educator it must contain this book. What a well written and understandable story about math. I felt that I could finally understand something beyond the third grade. Graphics are great too!
This a somewaht biography of mathmatician Fibonacci The story was well paced and held my attention, details rich and able to use in so many other contentareas. This is a book that you must have in your collection. It can be used over and over again on so many diffrent levels. I can see projects and research and just good ole' fun coming from this story. Rich in history and information. Don't let it escape your grasp! Buy two and hide one!
This a somewaht biography of mathmatician Fibonacci The story was well paced and held my attention, details rich and able to use in so many other contentareas. This is a book that you must have in your collection. It can be used over and over again on so many diffrent levels. I can see projects and research and just good ole' fun coming from this story. Rich in history and information. Don't let it escape your grasp! Buy two and hide one!
August 1, 2011
One of the greatest Western mathematicians of all times, Leonardo Fibonacci was born in Pisa, Italy around 1170. Fibonacci was a whiz at math, in fact; he thought about numbers all of the time that he appeared to be daydreaming. While on a trip with his merchant father to a city in northern Africa, Fibonacci noticed merchants using a new numeral system borrowed from the Hindi in India, rather than the traditional Roman numerals. As an adult, Leonardo wrote a book about the Hindi-Arabic numbers, but he is most remembered for his number pattern called the Fibonacci Sequence, a special numbered pattern that appears in nature
November 2, 2020
This book really helped us to understand the Fibonacci Sequence! Interesting read. 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377.....krb 8/15/16
Read again from the library...krb 10/30/20
Read again from the library...krb 10/30/20
December 31, 2018
Math and numbers are so fascinating! Our Creator God is a God of order, not chaos, which is evident in His handiwork.
June 4, 2021
Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is a children's picture book written by Joseph D'Agnese and illustrated by John O'Brien. Math lover or not, readers should succumb to the charms of this highly entertaining biography of medieval mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci.
Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician from the Republic of Pisa, considered to be "the most talented Western mathematician of the Middle Ages".
D'Agnese's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. D'Agnese's colloquial tone lures readers into the story and even invites them to ferret out patterns in the illustrations. Backmatter includes lists things to find in the pictures as well as activities that reinforce the concepts discussed in the book. O'Brien's delicate swirls and hatch marks echo the mathematical patterns – another graceful connection between math and the real world.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Fascinated with numbers as a child, Leonardo grew from a daydreaming boy in medieval Italy to become one of the greatest European mathematicians of the Middle Ages. As an adult, he works out a math problem that involves reproducing rabbits and discovers a pattern that repeats itself in nature, which becomes the sequence of numbers that now bears his name.
All in all, Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is a boon to math teachers, homeschoolers, and others piqued by the title of the medieval mathematician.
Fibonacci was an Italian mathematician from the Republic of Pisa, considered to be "the most talented Western mathematician of the Middle Ages".
D'Agnese's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. D'Agnese's colloquial tone lures readers into the story and even invites them to ferret out patterns in the illustrations. Backmatter includes lists things to find in the pictures as well as activities that reinforce the concepts discussed in the book. O'Brien's delicate swirls and hatch marks echo the mathematical patterns – another graceful connection between math and the real world.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Fascinated with numbers as a child, Leonardo grew from a daydreaming boy in medieval Italy to become one of the greatest European mathematicians of the Middle Ages. As an adult, he works out a math problem that involves reproducing rabbits and discovers a pattern that repeats itself in nature, which becomes the sequence of numbers that now bears his name.
All in all, Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is a boon to math teachers, homeschoolers, and others piqued by the title of the medieval mathematician.
December 24, 2021
Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D’Agnese (goodreads author), Illustrator John O’Brien- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- This book narrates the story of Leonardo Fibonacci of Pisa, Italy. His father Guglielmo was a custom official. During the year C 1170, Roman numerals were used to calculate. Fibonacci travelled to Algeria where he learnt the Indo-Arabic numeral system. This system was simpler than the Roman numeral system. During his life he experimented and solved practical problems in calculation of maps of buildings, number of petals in a flower, birth rate of rabbits to the spiral of a nautilus shell. He realized that all these seem to follow a certain pattern. He presented his study before the Italian authorities. The book narrates that Kings did have mathematicians in their court who appreciated the theory discovered by Fibonacci. Today, the theory is known as the Fibonacci Sequence. I have read this book in Hindi language. The coloured illustrations help the reader to relate and associate the child with the text.
August 5, 2017
I don't tend to be a very "mathy" person but this book, even though it's for children, helped me understand a bit more about the fibonacci sequence, or at least its inception. The illustrations also helped explain the visual "spiral" associated with the sequence.
Although little is known of Fibonacci's life, he was apparently called something similar to "blockhead," due to his being a bit of a dreamer and wanderer, and this story shows how a young boy follows his passion for numbers all the way into the math history books.
I still don't understand all the implications of the fibonacci sequence, but this book helped me understand how math is involved in nature, and perhaps understand a bit more why Galileo said "math is the language in which God has written the universe."
Although little is known of Fibonacci's life, he was apparently called something similar to "blockhead," due to his being a bit of a dreamer and wanderer, and this story shows how a young boy follows his passion for numbers all the way into the math history books.
I still don't understand all the implications of the fibonacci sequence, but this book helped me understand how math is involved in nature, and perhaps understand a bit more why Galileo said "math is the language in which God has written the universe."
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March 23, 2019Leonardo Fibonacci grew up in Pisa, Italy during the Middle Ages of Europe. Since childhood, nicknamed "blockhead", he was obsessed with numbers and mathematical patterns. Traveling with his father around the world, he learned that the Arabic/Indian numbers were simpler than the Roman numerals. He introduced the Arabic numbers to Europe and we are still using such numbers today. He is more famous for the Fibonacci numbers he discovered in nature. Can you identify such Fibonacci numbers in real life? Read this book.
August 12, 2018
A charming introduction to this mathematical genius--complete with Fibonacci sequences to find on every page.
October 5, 2017
An enjoyable picture book biography about the life of Fibonacci. The author had to take some liberties with facts since so little is known about him. A decent explanation of the Fibonacci principle is included in a way that won't cause children to lose interest. The subject matter is geared toward upper elementary kids but the language and plot are geared more toward younger kids. I would have enjoyed seeing the Fibonacci sequence explained a little more clearly visually, with more details on real world applications of the principle.
December 4, 2012
Genre: Picture book – Biography and Concept book (Math – the “Fibonacci Sequence”)
Summary: Unless you are a mathematician, you probably have not heard of Leonardo Fibonacci. Within these pages lies the true tale of a young man from medieval Italy (1100’s) who daydreams constantly about numbers. His teachers and fellow students mistakenly label him “blockhead,” assuming he is not smart. How wrong they are! Constantly counting and thinking of numbers, he begins to see mathematical patterns in nature. His father, embarrassed by his constant daydreaming, moves him to North Africa and forces him to be a merchant. As he travels for work, Fibonacci learns of Hindu-Arabic numerals and soon writes a book of numerals and math riddles (which are still used today) and goes on to world-wide fame for his mathematics.
Literary Critique: (a.) Narrative Structure
(b.) The beauty of this picture book is the author and illustrator take a difficult concept (to us non-Math minded people) such as the “Fibonacci Sequence” and somehow helps us understand it through a creative story-telling, simple explanations and beautiful illustrations.
(c.) The illustrations reinforce the math concepts presented in the book. They could even be called “Fibonacci Sequence” illustrations; they are filled with the Fibonacci spirals that his special sequence creates as well as many objects for students to count and match to his sequence (p. 35). On pages 25 to 28, the illustrations explain visually the math of Fibonacci’s famous rabbit math riddle (which I desperately needed). Written from the point-of-view of Fibonacci, D’Agnese weaves a sweet tale of a young boy who is made fun of when no one understands his passion for learning number but then goes on to introduce math that changed the world with the introduction of Arabic numerals world-wide and his theories of math. He constantly turns trials into opportunities. When students label him a blockhead, he runs into the streets of Pisa to see the Tower of Pisa being built wrong because the math was miscalculated (p. 11, 14). When forced to be a merchant, he observes numbers in other countries and chooses to learn all he can about Hindu-Arabic numerals which he deems much better than the Roman Numerals (p. 21,22).
Curriculum Connection: This is a great story to share in math class. Have students try to do a simple math problem using Roman numerals, then do the same problem with Arabic numerals. Compare. Have students try to solve the rabbit riddle, then work it out together. The book could also be used to discuss bullying and calling someone names and how to respond if someone is making fun of you.
Summary: Unless you are a mathematician, you probably have not heard of Leonardo Fibonacci. Within these pages lies the true tale of a young man from medieval Italy (1100’s) who daydreams constantly about numbers. His teachers and fellow students mistakenly label him “blockhead,” assuming he is not smart. How wrong they are! Constantly counting and thinking of numbers, he begins to see mathematical patterns in nature. His father, embarrassed by his constant daydreaming, moves him to North Africa and forces him to be a merchant. As he travels for work, Fibonacci learns of Hindu-Arabic numerals and soon writes a book of numerals and math riddles (which are still used today) and goes on to world-wide fame for his mathematics.
Literary Critique: (a.) Narrative Structure
(b.) The beauty of this picture book is the author and illustrator take a difficult concept (to us non-Math minded people) such as the “Fibonacci Sequence” and somehow helps us understand it through a creative story-telling, simple explanations and beautiful illustrations.
(c.) The illustrations reinforce the math concepts presented in the book. They could even be called “Fibonacci Sequence” illustrations; they are filled with the Fibonacci spirals that his special sequence creates as well as many objects for students to count and match to his sequence (p. 35). On pages 25 to 28, the illustrations explain visually the math of Fibonacci’s famous rabbit math riddle (which I desperately needed). Written from the point-of-view of Fibonacci, D’Agnese weaves a sweet tale of a young boy who is made fun of when no one understands his passion for learning number but then goes on to introduce math that changed the world with the introduction of Arabic numerals world-wide and his theories of math. He constantly turns trials into opportunities. When students label him a blockhead, he runs into the streets of Pisa to see the Tower of Pisa being built wrong because the math was miscalculated (p. 11, 14). When forced to be a merchant, he observes numbers in other countries and chooses to learn all he can about Hindu-Arabic numerals which he deems much better than the Roman Numerals (p. 21,22).
Curriculum Connection: This is a great story to share in math class. Have students try to do a simple math problem using Roman numerals, then do the same problem with Arabic numerals. Compare. Have students try to solve the rabbit riddle, then work it out together. The book could also be used to discuss bullying and calling someone names and how to respond if someone is making fun of you.
October 14, 2016
I thought this was a really fun story of Fibonacci's love of numbers and his discovery of the Fibonacci sequence. (The author's note explains that most historians believe that while he did discover the sequence, he did not recognize its importance.). Fibonacci worked hard to introduce the Hindu-Arabic numerals to the world.
Several math connections can be made with this book. The Fibonacci sequence, of course. You could use it to introduce or to discuss Roman numerals. Students could try to solve his problems about how many legs, wings and eyes 12 birds would have.
I love this quote: "I think people are happiest when they know what pleases them...what makes you happiest?" (Fibonacci replies, Numbers.). "Then you should learn all you can about them. That way you will always be happy."
Several math connections can be made with this book. The Fibonacci sequence, of course. You could use it to introduce or to discuss Roman numerals. Students could try to solve his problems about how many legs, wings and eyes 12 birds would have.
I love this quote: "I think people are happiest when they know what pleases them...what makes you happiest?" (Fibonacci replies, Numbers.). "Then you should learn all you can about them. That way you will always be happy."
September 3, 2010
I was honored to win one of these from firstreads! This short story was engaging, the pictures creative and whimsical. I have never really been interested in math, but this book made numbers and nature more intriguing and understandable than usual. I did watch something on Nova that talked about Fibonacci (I think it was him), and that was rather interesting. It's not your typical mathematics, really, but the study of order in nature. I was disappointed to have "Mother Nature" credited, when I know it's actually God who created and formed the world. But it did make me marvel anew over His artistic yet systematic design.
October 26, 2016
Great, simple introduction into the (largely unknown) life of Leonardo of Pisa, also known as Fibonacci. I liked the author's note at the end as well as the fun activities to help kids further understand the importance of the Fibonacci sequence. I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations, but I get that they were trying to emulate the popular frescoes that were popular in Italy during Leonardo's life.
December 1, 2020
A mathematical picture book about Fibonacci and the Fibonacci Sequence.
November 9, 2017
The book "Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci" is a book about one of the most famous medieval ages. The term blockhead was something that he got from a teacher that didn't seem to understand the type of brilliance that he had. Often ridiculed for his obsession with numbers Leonardo is taken to Northern Africa where he learns even more about numbers. He then spends majority of his life traveling for his fathers company and learning all types of numeric systems. It isn't until later that he discovers the Fibonacci sequence a pattern that is reoccurring in nature. This book really shows a good example that you should always follow something that you are passionate about despite those that may ridicule it. This example is a wonderful way for children to see that if they follow their passion often times they will achieve some sort of personal accomplishment regardless of what anyone thinks. Despite being teased and put down by the rest of the people around him Leonardo continues on in his obsession for numbers and makes discoveries that changed the world as we know it, maybe this is a great way to encourage children to also pursue what they love.
October 29, 2020
This story is about the life of a famous mathematician, Fibonacci. Just like most of the book I read, this story is about pursuing your passion and believing in yourself. Just like most of the famous people who made a huge difference in humanity and science, a lot of people didn’t believe in Fibonacci. In fact, they called him a blockhead because all he could think about was numbers. He didn’t do great in school and his father treated him like he was a disgrace in their family. But, there is someone who truly believed in everything he did, that was his father’s right hand man. Fibonacci spent some of his life away from Italy. When he came back, he still couldn’t convince most of the people about the art of numbers. He wanted to introduce a new way of counting but most of the Italians don’t want to listen. That’s when Fibonacci thought about his father’s right hand man. The only man who believed in him. Eventually, Fibonacci came up with a sequence of numbers that we called, Fibonacci Sequence. This sequence changed the history of ancient mathematics and it is still relevant up to this day.
March 14, 2018
Leonardo Fibonacci was a mathematician who lived in the middle ages. He had a penchant for numbers and all things mathematical. His nickname was Bigollo, which is loosely translated to mean, Blockhead. Fibonacci is best known for what is called the Fibonacci Sequence, a sequence of numbers that describes how things like flowers grow in an orderly fashion. It is also prevalent in architecture, music, poetry and art.
A page at the back of the book provides some additional biographical information about Fibonacci. The last page of the book makes this an interactive picture book. First, it challenges the reader to go back through the book and find a flower with eight petals, a lemon with eight sections, and a clover with three leaves. Then, the reader is instructed to continue looking through the book to see if they can find any additional items that have Fibonacci numbers in them. There are also several other math and number related activities listed on the last page.
A page at the back of the book provides some additional biographical information about Fibonacci. The last page of the book makes this an interactive picture book. First, it challenges the reader to go back through the book and find a flower with eight petals, a lemon with eight sections, and a clover with three leaves. Then, the reader is instructed to continue looking through the book to see if they can find any additional items that have Fibonacci numbers in them. There are also several other math and number related activities listed on the last page.
January 1, 2018
Fictionalized account of Fibonacci's life. The story highlighted Fibonacci's fascination with numbers, his work with Hindu numerals, and the Fibonacci numbers.
I liked the inclusion of Alfredo and his importance in the story. It really shows the value of having someone to encourage and learn with you.
There are spirals and Fibonacci numbers throughout the illustrations. I like the Fibonacci numbers being in there (I actually expected them to be in some places they weren't), but a lot of the spirals aren't golden spirals. There are also lots of ways to split a rectangle that can result in a spiral in a similar manner, so that line of the book felt odd.
I liked the inclusion of Alfredo and his importance in the story. It really shows the value of having someone to encourage and learn with you.
There are spirals and Fibonacci numbers throughout the illustrations. I like the Fibonacci numbers being in there (I actually expected them to be in some places they weren't), but a lot of the spirals aren't golden spirals. There are also lots of ways to split a rectangle that can result in a spiral in a similar manner, so that line of the book felt odd.
May 9, 2024
hmm, so glad to read this, but I am skeptical as to whether Fibonacci would attribute the patterns to 'mother nature' or to actual God.... without reading further (which I intend to) it feels like the author wrote in mother nature in place of God, perhaps because they didn't want to mention God in their book. Also, it says the boy went to Africa but doesn't mention african countries? Turkey and Syria are mentioned but they aren't in Africa!
Would like to know more about this man from other sources.
Would like to know more about this man from other sources.
April 2, 2019
This is a wonderfully illustrated story about the life of Fibonacci, an important medieval mathematician. He "discovered" the Fibonacci series of numbers - 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13... where the next number in the series is found by adding the most recent 2 numbers. This series occurs many places in nature - seeds, sea shells, flower petals. He also popularized Arabic numerals as a replacement for Roman ones - 18 instead of XVIII, for example.
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