September 25, 2006
"Treasure" Math Reader
X Marks the Spot
by Lucille Recht Penner, Jerry Smath (Illustrator)
What a wonderful "math" reader for kids! X Marks the Spot begins with brothers who are not thrilled about moving into a new house until they get a note from their grandfather that sends them on a treasure hunt. They first find a set of maps in the attic with clues to follow. By learning to use the coordinates of the map to move throughout the neighborhood, they follow the clues and end up finding a special hideaway all of their own. The use of the map in X Marks the Spot is handled smoothly in both the text and the supporting illustrations, and the story itself is winning and innovative... a sure hit for young readers, especially those with a nose for maps, scavenger hunts, or treasure.