MathsThroughStories.org
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • RESEARCH TEAM
    • On-line Contributors
    • Research Dissemination
    • Research Impact
    • SHOUTOUTS
    • Teacher Training / CPD Services
    • MEDIA APPEARANCES
  • RESOURCES
    • RECOMMENDATIONS
    • BLOG
    • NEWSLETTER
    • BOOK REVIEWS >
      • BOOK REVIEWS
      • INSPECTION COPIES
    • LESSON IDEAS
    • VIDEOS
    • CREATE YOUR OWN MATHEMATICAL STORIES >
      • GUIDELINE FOR MATHEMATICAL STORY AUTHORS
      • INTERVIEWS WITH MATHEMATICAL STORY AUTHORS
    • 'HOW TO' BOOKS
    • RESEARCH ARTICLES
    • PRACTITIONER-ORIENTED ARTICLES
  • COMPETITIONS
    • 2022 YMSA WINNING, SHORTLISTED AND LONGLISTED ENTRIES
    • 2021 YMSA WINNING, SHORTLISTED AND LONGLISTED ENTRIES
    • 2020 YMSA WINNING, SHORTLISTED AND LONGLISTED ENTRIES
    • 2019 YMSA WINNING AND SHORTLISTED ENTRIES
  • NEWS
  • CONTACT US
    • GET INVOLVED

EXPLORE OTHER 'ODD & EVEN NUMBERS' STORIES HERE

RUBY MAKES IT EVEN
​
Author: Lisa Harkrader
​Illustrator: MH Pilz 

Picture
Number of pages: 31
Publisher: Kane Press (USA)
First published in: 2015
Format: Picturebook
​
Is the mathematical focus explicit in the story? Yes
Is this story part of a mathematics story series? Yes (Math Matters)

Preview and/or purchase this book on the Amazon websites: UK, USA, AUS, CAN

Synopsis by the author/publisher
Ruby and her two best friends are excited about going to the amusement park. That is, until they discover that the rides they want to go on have seats for two, not three. Someone will have to ride alone?or will they?
“"You're an odd number - one," I tell Rob. "We're an odd number - three. But an odd plus an add makes an even." Rob's eyes grow wide. "And an even four means nobody's left out."”
Official review by MathsThroughStories.org
Lisa Harkrader’s ‘Ruby Makes It Even’ (2015), a recent title in Kane Press’s Math Matters series, is a perfect mathematical story to introduce young children to the concept of odd and even numbers. Set in a theme park, the protagonist, Ruby, and her friends went on an emotional roller coaster (pun intended) when they realised that for some rides, they would be sitting on their own, while for others, they would get to sit with their friends. Connecting mathematical concepts with emotions is quite effective here. Illustrations by MH Pilz are helpful in illustrating odd and even numbers very clearly. Diversity of characters in the story is abundant. Particularly, we are pleased to see a female ethnic leading character. As with other titles in the Math Matters series, useful teaching activity ideas are offered at the back. All in all, an engaging mathematical story with a storyline that children can easily relate to. Well done, Team Kane Press! Recommended for children aged 5+ years old. 

Recommended age range: 
5 years old + 

Relevant mathematics topics: 
Odd & Even Numbers

​Possible teaching activities:
At MathsThroughStories.org, we believe that stories can be meaningfully incorporated in mathematics teaching in different ways. Thus, we are inviting you to share your experience of how you have used this story in your mathematics lesson with other members of the community. By sharing your experience with us, you will be added to our team of On-line Contributors here, where you can also find our submission guideline.

​mathsthroughstories.org

Picture

ABOUT US

MathsThroughStories.org is a non-profit and research-based initiative, based at the University of Reading's Institute of Education (UK).

It sets out to help mathematics learners around the world develop their conceptual understanding in mathematics and to help them foster positive attitudes towards the subject through  the power of storytelling.

Contact Us

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • RESEARCH TEAM
    • On-line Contributors
    • Research Dissemination
    • Research Impact
    • SHOUTOUTS
    • Teacher Training / CPD Services
    • MEDIA APPEARANCES
  • RESOURCES
    • RECOMMENDATIONS
    • BLOG
    • NEWSLETTER
    • BOOK REVIEWS >
      • BOOK REVIEWS
      • INSPECTION COPIES
    • LESSON IDEAS
    • VIDEOS
    • CREATE YOUR OWN MATHEMATICAL STORIES >
      • GUIDELINE FOR MATHEMATICAL STORY AUTHORS
      • INTERVIEWS WITH MATHEMATICAL STORY AUTHORS
    • 'HOW TO' BOOKS
    • RESEARCH ARTICLES
    • PRACTITIONER-ORIENTED ARTICLES
  • COMPETITIONS
    • 2022 YMSA WINNING, SHORTLISTED AND LONGLISTED ENTRIES
    • 2021 YMSA WINNING, SHORTLISTED AND LONGLISTED ENTRIES
    • 2020 YMSA WINNING, SHORTLISTED AND LONGLISTED ENTRIES
    • 2019 YMSA WINNING AND SHORTLISTED ENTRIES
  • NEWS
  • CONTACT US
    • GET INVOLVED