Ask Albert Einstein

by Lynne Barasch

April's older sister, Annabel, is in danger of failing math, so April enlists the help of a famous scientist, sending a math problem to Albert Einstein at his home in Princeton, New Jersey. While April waits for an answer, she pictures all the things Einstein might be doing instead: working on his own math problems, playing his violin, riding his bicycle, gardening, sailing, helping other children with their homework - all things that he is known to have enjoyed. But time is running out for Annabel, who doesn't know that help is on the way. And when it comes, it takes April to show that Einstein has given Annabel a clue so that she can solve the problem herself.
Energetic watercolor-and-ink pictures illustrate this sprightly little-sister-to-the-rescue story based on an actual event. The math problem and solution are included.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mathematics

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Lynne Barasch was born in New York City and grew up in Woodmere, Long Island. She attended Rhode Island School of Design and holds a B.F.A. from Parsons School of Design. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dieses Hörbuch habe ich gehört, um mein Englisch etwas aufzufrischen :)
Es geht um die Schwestern Annabel und April. Annabel hat ein Problem mit Mathe, und April möchte ihr helfen. Daher schreibt sie an Albert Einstein...
Eine süße Geschichte, und mit nur 13 Minuten schnell gehört...

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true incident, this little story tells how Albert Einstein use to help students with various math problems. I liked the history of the story as much as I did the story.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

My littles loved this book. They wanted me to go back and read it over and over again. Of course, that made me happy.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on a true story! A little sister writes to Einstein on behalf of her older sister about a math problem. Cute picture book about solving challenges in school, and about a fun historic anecdote, making a good read for elementary schoolers interested in math and science. Even if they don't understand the actual math yet, it's good to see the messages about not giving up when you're stumped or puzzled, and about more famous/powerful/intelligent people helping those around them (apparently Einstein often helped kids in his neighborhood solve schoolwork problems!)

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, this book shows how Albert Einstein would sometimes help students with their math problems.

The main character is a helpful, resourceful, intelligent younger sister.

The kids and I enjoyed this book and discovering this side of Albert Einstein.

Book geared towards older children in elementary school (or higher.)

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story, based on a true historical story. A girl needs help with a math problem and asks Albert Einstein. When this happened originally, he sent her the answer and it was printed in the newspaper. In this story, she was able to solve the problem with the hint he sent her. He was often helping local kids with their math problems.

[Ashlin Edmisten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story was neat.

[Marcos Kopschitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bilingual review / Resenha bilíngue

Muito boa leitura, especialmente atraente para quem gosta de Ciências, Matemática e História. Ou de Einstein, que além de ser um grande cientista, tornou-se uma figura popular. Seria idealmente apreciado por quem está estudando ou já estudou Geometria, o que, no Brasil, seria ao final do ensino médio. Assim, já que o problema da história é desta matéria, a solução que Einstein deu seria compreendida - ou, quem sabe, até também ajudaria? Porém, uma das personagens é mais nova, ainda não sabe Geometria, e a história é boa do mesmo jeito. Portanto, mesmo para quem não estudou nada disso, a história ainda é muito boa e pode levar a querer conhecer mais. Além de apresentar alguns aspectos comuns da vida de estudante e ensinar algumas coisas sobre a vida em geral. Ao fim do livro há uma boa informação complementar sobre Einstein e até sobre sua visita ao Brasil - com fotos. E para quem sempre gostou de Einstein e, ainda por cima, foi professor de Geometria, como eu, a história é das melhores!

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A very good read, especially attractive if you like Science, Maths and History. Or Einstein himself who, besides being a great scientist, became very popular. It would fit ideally students who have studied Geometry. Since the problem in the story is in this field, Einstein's solution would be understood - or might even be of help as well!

However, one of the characters is younger and doesn't know Geometry yet, and the story is still good. So, even if you haven't yet studied any of these subjects, the story is really very good and might lead to want to know more. And it also presents some student life aspects and teaches something on life as a whole. For someone who has always liked Einstein and, moreover, has teached Geometry, like me, it's really a great story!

I read the very good Brazilian Portuguese edition, which includes facts about Einstein and his visit to Brazil.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven-year-old April writes a letter to Albert Einstein asking him to to help her big sister, Annabel, who will fail math unless she can solve a difficult problem. To April’s delight, Einstein replies with a clue that helps Annabel find the solution. Barasch’s watercolor illustrations are pleasingly simple and the story, inspired by actual events in 1952, has a measure of charm. However, young readers won’t know who Einstein was and won’t understand the complex problem (much less the answer) or why the story is meaningful, making the identity of the book’s intended audience a bit fuzzy.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really charming pictures plus an equally charming story, based on a true incident. Seven year old April loves her older sister Annabel, who is good at everything but math. When Annabel has trouble with a math problem, her sister writes to Einstein for help. Though he answers,"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater." he does draw a diagram on the back which helps Annabel to figure out the solution on her own.

Could make a great read aloud for elementary age kids.
Tie in with science, math, overcoming problems, famous people, etc.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true event, a seven-year-old April writes to Albert Einstein asking his help to solve her older sister’s math problem. This story shows a kind and human side to the mathematical genius. The Einstein quotes on the front and back endpages are wonderful. “I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious.” “Joy in looking and comprehending is nature’s most beautiful gift.” “When the solution is simple, God is answering.”

[Kimberly Ollison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute and encouraging book. So neat that it is actually true. How awesome for the 15-year-old girl that received mail from Albert. Also, I loved learning that Albert actually helped children with their math problems. I need an Albert tutor! I enjoyed the Albert Einstein quotes in the back.

[Acton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask Albert Einstein was a really nice true story about a second grade little sister send a math problem to Albert Einstein that her fifteen year old sister's teacher gave to solve to the big sister.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fiction picture book is based on the fact that Albert Einstein responds to a math question from a school girl in 1952. Background information about the man and the time period is included.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book sharing an aspect of Albert Einstein's life that isn't generally known. It goes to show that being important and famous and being helpful and kind are mutually exclusive.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great endpapaers~~