How could I resist a book about mathematics? Particularly, about women that love mathematics and even practice it for a job? Ann Strawn´s Erma Does the Math ticks those fine boxes aimed at mathematics´ lovers and even more as it introduces a strong Black American woman, the author´s great aunt, Erma Tynes Walker.
Erma Tynes Walker worked alongside with Katherine Johnson at the Flight Analysis Department calculating flight trajectories for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Missions. Between 1943 and 1980 - times during which segregation policies was in place - she worked as Human Computer at Langley Jet Propulsion Lab in Hampton, Virginia.
Aunt Erma in the book is long retired. When Tameka is visiting her elderly aunt, she is happy to share with the little one the beauty and practicality of mathematics. Both those aspects are unfortunately largely ignored in the daily teaching process of mathematics, turning this very interesting mind challenge into a very isolated, dry activity. In fact, we are using mathematics - this applies also to those who may not like it - on a very regular basis: from basic price calculations to the time counting one needs in order to be in time on different occasions or the temperature update from one system to another, among many others.
Erma Does the Math is a reminder of the place of mathematics in the everyday life while cherishing the memory of a brave intelligent Black woman.
The writing style is accessible and appealing to a curious first grade(s) audiences. Both characters are relatable and empathic. The short questions at the end of the book may help both parents and educators to better structure a post-reading discussion.
Personally, I have not been impressed with the illustrations and felt that the book deserved probably a better visual representation.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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