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Cover of Ben Franklin And The Magic Squares (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Step Into Reading + Math A Step 3 Boo...

Ben Franklin And The Magic Squares (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Step Into Reading + Math A Step 3 Boo...

by Frank Murphy

Book Details

Publisher:Random House Books for Young Readers
Published:2001-02-27
Pages:50
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0613337905

Reading Info

Age Range:6-8

About This Book

Shows how Benjamin Franklin--inventor, writer, and scientist--created a puzzle called the magic square to keep from being bored while serving as clerk for the Pennsylvania Assembly, and includes step-by-step instructions for creating your own magic s

Our Review

This engaging picture book biography reveals how Benjamin Franklin used his mathematical mind to combat boredom while serving as clerk for the Pennsylvania Assembly. Young readers will discover how this famous inventor created his fascinating magic square puzzle, blending history with hands-on mathematical exploration. The narrative brings Franklin's curiosity to life through vivid illustrations and accessible storytelling that makes 18th-century history feel immediate and relevant. Children will be captivated by the real-world problem that sparked Franklin's mathematical creativity.

What sets this educational book apart is its practical approach to making history interactiveβ€”it includes clear, step-by-step instructions for creating magic squares. The combination of biographical storytelling with mathematical puzzle-solving creates a multidimensional reading experience that appeals to both history buffs and numbers-oriented children. Parents seeking STEM-focused picture books will appreciate how it demonstrates practical applications of mathematical thinking through historical context. This clever integration of biography and mathematics will leave young readers seeing numbers as tools for creativity rather than just schoolwork.

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