EXPLORE OTHER 'MONEY' STORIES HERE

SLUGGERS' CAR WASH​
Author: Stuart J. Murphy
​Illustrator: Barney Saltzberg

Number of pages: 31
Publisher: HarperCollins (USA)
First published in: 2002
Format: Picturebook

Is the mathematical focus explicit in the story? Yes
Is this story part of a mathematics story series? Yes (MathStart)

Click here to preview and/or purchase this book via the Amazon (UK) website ​
​

Synopsis by the author/publisher
The 21st Street Sluggers have a problem: Their t-shirts are all worn and dirty. And that won't do at all for playing against the 7th Avenue Spitfires. How can they raise some money fast? A car wash! First, the Sluggers pool their money to buy supplies. Then they set up an assembly line. CJ keeps track of the money. That's easy when the man in the convertible gives him 2 dollar bills, 4 quarters, 4 dimes and 2 nickels: $3.50 is the exact amount. But then Will's Mom gives him a $5 bill. Can he figure out the correct change? Counting change is an important skill needed for everyday life.

“"Let's see, 3 dollars and 50 cents plus two quarters makes 4 dollars, and a dollar bill makes 5 dollars," said CJ. He handed her 1 dollar and 50 cents. "Tell your friends to come to the Sluggers' Car Wash!" Then he figured out how much money they had now. "Keep working, guys!" he shouted. "We've got a long way to go!"”

Recommended age range: 
7 years old + 

Relevant mathematics topics: 
Money

​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.