For the youngest readers, math series are most appealing when they contain a gimmick. Among the hooks this fall are endearing animals adding and subtracting, creating your own adventures while solving math problems, and the ever-popular math in sports. Series for older students take a more serious approach, and although there are textbook-style, text-heavy volumes, there are some visually dynamic sets as well. Regardless of age, it's important to all students that math concepts are presented with clear, concise explanations, and most of these series succeed in this challenge.

Preschool-Grade 4

JAMES, Adele. Adding with Apes. ISBN 978-1-4339-5654-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-5656-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-5655-3. LC 2010046734. MCDONNELL, Melissa. Tell Time with Turtles. ISBN 978-1-4339-5674-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-5676-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-5675-1. LC 2011001684. MINEO, Kate. Compare with Bears. ISBN 978-1-4339-5658-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-5660-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-5659-1. LC 2010046738. MINEO, Tyrone. Near and Far with Birds. ISBN 978-1-4339-5666-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-5668-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-5667-6. LC 2010049269. SELLERS, Charles. Subtracting with Seals. ISBN 978-1-4339-5670-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-5672-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-5671-3. LC 2010051703. ZUBEK, Adeline. Counting Lions. ISBN 978-1-4339-5662-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-5664-5;. ISBN 978-1-4339-5663-8. LC 2010048166. ea vol: 24p. (Animal Math Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $22.60; pap. $8.15; ebook $22.60. K-Gr 2-These beginning readers are part math, part animal books. Each spread features a few sentences about the profiled creature and a simple math problem facing a full-color, full-page photo. The amount of reader interaction varies. In Apes, there are addition problems but only one has to be answered; in Bears, every math problem requires a solution (answers are in the back); in Seals, there are subtraction examples that are solved for children. The facts about the animals are appropriate, although minimal, and may leave most children wanting more. MAHANEY, Ian F. The Math of Baseball. ISBN 978-1-4488-2554-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-2692-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-2883-8. LC 2010026237. ----. The Math of Basketball. ISBN 978-1-4488-2593-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-2694-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-2884-5. LC 2010027917. ----. The Math of Football. ISBN 978-1-4488-2553-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-2690-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-2882-1. LC 2010025270. ----. The Math of Hockey. ISBN 978-1-4488-2556-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-2698-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-2886-9. LC 2010029649. ----. The Math of NASCAR. ISBN 978-1-4488-2555-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-2696-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-2885-2. LC 2010028507. ----. The Math of Soccer. ISBN 978-1-4488-2557-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-2700-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-2887-6. LC 2010030043. ea vol: 24p. (Sports Math Series). charts. diags. photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $21.25; pap. $8.25; ebook $21.25. Gr 2-4-Every turn of the page brings readers into another aspect of the featured sport. Each book starts with a brief explanation of how the activity works, gives measurements of the field/court/track, and concludes with information on scoring and statistics. Also included are chapters specific to each sport, such as "Pit Stop Math" for NASCAR. On every spread, "Figure It Out!" sidebars invite readers to solve math problems. Answers are provided in the back of the volumes with brief explanations. Well-selected photographs, charts, and diagrams enhance the texts. Although the language is simple, the math is challenging.

Grades 5 & Up

ADAMSON, Thomas K. Baseball: The Math of the Game. ISBN 978-1-4296-6569-8; ISBN 978-1-4296-7315-0. LC 2011004483. ----. Basketball: The Math of the Game. ISBN 978-1-4296-6568-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-7317-4. LC 2011007863. FREDERICK, Shane. Football: The Math of the Game. ISBN 978-1-4296-6567-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-7319-8. LC 2011007864. ----. Hockey: The Math of the Game. ISBN 978-1-4296-6570-4; ISBN 978-1-4296-7321-1. LC 2011007865. ea vol: 48p. (Sports Illustrated Kids: Sports Math Series). charts. diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $30.65; pap. $7.95. Gr 5-9-These books delve deep into the statistics of favorite pastimes. They are not written for novices; acronyms and terms are used freely and not always defined. For example, readers learn how to calculate OPS in baseball, but what does OPS stand for? What is "the lane" in basketball? The math gets complicated and in a couple of places a diagram would have been helpful. The full-color photographs depict well-known sports figures. The spreads are busy with stats, graphs, tables, and interesting sidebars. Each book discusses the field or court, the basics of the game, the offensive and defensive stats, and how to make projections of performance for teams and individual players. Overall these books will appeal to serious sports fans who want to learn more about the numbers of the game. BALL, Madeline K. & David Seidman. Supply and Demand. ISBN 978-1-4488-4716-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-4724-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-4732-7. LC 2011006515. BERG, David W. & Meg Green. Savings and Investments. ISBN 978-1-4488-4712-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-4722-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-4730-3. LC 2010051938. LAWRENCE, Lane & Tom Ridgway. Buying Goods and Services. ISBN 978-1-4488-4715-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-4719-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-4726-6. LC 2011000533. MURLEY, Leon & Antoine Wilson. The Distribution of Goods and Services. ISBN 978-1-4488-4710-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-4718-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-4727-3. LC 2010051935. NICHOLS, Clive & Marie Bussing-Barks. Taxes and Government Spending. ISBN 978-1-4488-4714-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-4725-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-4733-4. LC 2011006197. NORTH, Charles & Charles Caes. The Stock Market. ISBN 978-1-4488-4717-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-4723-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-4731-0. LC 2011008260. TURNER, Donald R. & Juliana O. Tillema. The Production of Goods and Services. ISBN 978-1-4488-4711-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-4721-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-4729-7. LC 2011006481. WALLACH, Jonah M. & Clare Tattersall. Money and Banking. ISBN 978-1-4488-4713-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-4720-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-4728-0. LC 2011006191. ea vol: 64p. (Dollars and Sense: A Guide to Financial Literacy Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2011. PLB $30.60; pap. $12.95; ebook $30.60. Gr 5-8-This series, aimed at helping readers become more financially savvy, is not always successful. Some titles are clearly written, but others have typos, confusing wording, and unclear explanations. In Stock Market, for example, the word "reserve" is used twice instead of "reverse" in the discussion of a "reverse split" and the explanation of P/E ratio is perplexing. In Money, the text states that "The number 72 is the key" to calculating how long it would take to double your money (divide 72 by the interest rate), but no attempt is made to explain where 72 comes from. Throughout the series, the information and examples are current. Captioned photographs break up the text on each spread but are not exceptional. There are few math calculations throughout the series. That readers should start saving money and budgeting while they are young is a common thread throughout the volumes. CARON, Lucille & Philip M. St. Jacques. Addition and Subtraction Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3939-1; ISBN 978-1-59845-318-8. LC 2011008342. ----. Fraction and Decimal Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3936-0; ISBN 978-1-59845-321-8. LC 2011008382. ----. Geometry Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3935-3; ISBN 978-1-59845-316-4. LC 2011008384. ----. Multiplication and Division Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3937-7; ISBN 978-1-59845-320-1. LC 2011008165. ----. Percent and Ratio Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3940-7; ISBN 978-1-59845-317-1. LC 2011008164. ----. Pre-Algebra and Algebra Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3938-4; ISBN 978-1-59845-319-5. LC 2011006928. WINGARD-NELSON, Rebecca. Algebra I and Algebra II Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3941-4; ISBN 978-1-59845-322-5. LC 2011006261. ----. Data, Graphing, and Statistics Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3942-1; ISBN 978-1-59845-323-2. LC 2011008343. ----. Problem Solving and Word Problem Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3943-8; ISBN 978-1-59845-325-6. LC 2011006738. ----. Trigonometry Smarts! ISBN 978-0-7660-3944-5; ISBN 978-1-59845-324-9. LC 2011006492. ea vol: 64p. (Math Smarts! Series). charts. diags. illus. further reading. index. Websites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $27.93; pap. $7.95. Gr 5 Up-This clearly written series provides definitions and examples of many concepts. The simple but effective explanations are consistent throughout all the books. The examples are realistic and appropriate for the target age group, and in most cases only one way is shown to solve a problem. The layout is appealing, and small cartoon characters encourage readers: "I can do this!" and "Wow! Anyone can do this!" This series is not for readers without any knowledge of the subject; it would best be used for reference, to provide students with another approach to a concept, or to help teachers. These books cover about eight-plus school years of mathematics, so grade levels vary according to subject. CATEL, Patrick. Money and Government. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-4639-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-4646-3. LC 2010038263. ----. Money and Trade. maps. ISBN 978-1-4329-4635-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-4642-5. LC 2010038049. FAY, Gail. Economies Around the World. diags. ISBN 978-1-4329-4638-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-4645-6. LC 2010038261. ----. Using Money. diags. ISBN 978-1-4329-4634-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-4641-8. LC 2010037819. HUNTER, Nick. Earning Money. diags. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-4637-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-4644-9. LC 2010038061. MCMANUS, Lori. Money Through History. maps. reprods. chron. ISBN 978-1-4329-4636-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-4643-2. LC 2010038050. ea vol: 48p. (Understanding Money Series). charts. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2011. PLB $31.43; pap. $8.99. Gr 4-8-This solid series is aimed at helping readers understand money. Going back to 10,000 BCE, History is an interesting look at how coin and paper money came to be. Economies delivers an unbiased comparison of some of the major world economies, while Using Money should be read by all middle schoolers who might need guidance about spending their allowances. Government and Trade are likewise well written and at an appropriate level for the intended age group. The clear language and meaningful examples help kids understand how to make money, save money, and budget. Earning is also informative, but it has a couple of confusing diagrams. Photographs, diagrams, and sidebars are plentiful; some are more enhancing than others. Overall, a useful series. GLOVER, David. The Cavern of Clues. ISBN 978-1-60992-087-6. LC 2010053361. ----. The Mansion of Mazes. ISBN 978-1-60992-089-0. LC 2010053363. ----. The Museum of Mysteries. ISBN 978-1-60992-086-9. LC 2010053360. ----. The Planet of Puzzles. ISBN 978-1-60992-088-3. LC 2010053362. ea vol: illus. by Tim Hutchinson. 48p. (Math Quest Series). diags. glossary. CIP. QEB. 2011. PLB $34.25. Gr 5-7-In these math-based mysteries, readers have to solve problems and, based on their answers, they are directed to another page to continue the adventure. Participants are not truly creating their own adventure-there is only one path they can take since the mystery only moves forward when the puzzle has been solved correctly-and it can be difficult for readers to backtrack or figure out where they left off. The explanations for the problems are clearly written. Unfortunately, Puzzles has a major error that makes the book difficult to use: a beginning section of the adventure is missing a prompt to tell readers where to go next. Mazes has two prompts missing, but this is only noticed if readers give the wrong answer. This series is a clever way to interest kids in math, but younger readers may need some guidance. HEATH, Julia A. Credit and Borrowing. 130p. ISBN 978-1-60413-988-4. ----. Decision Making and Budgeting. 124p. ISBN 978-4-60413-986-0. ----. Education and Careers. 146p. ISBN 978-1-60413-987-7. ----. Saving and Investing. 140p. map. ISBN 978-1-60413-989-1. ea vol: (Personal Finance Essentials Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. bibliog. glossary. Websites. CIP. index. Facts On File. Dec. 2011. PLB $35. LC 2011004564. Gr 10 Up-These detailed books stress the importance of understanding financial basics. Decision Making gives concrete methods to assist in considering everyday choices. Also included are explanations of paychecks and deductions, leasing a car, and renting an apartment. Buying a car with a loan and mortgaging a home are covered in Credit, along with information about credit cards and credit reports; this title also covers the ugly truths of payday loans and car-title loans. Saving discusses compound interest, bank investments, bonds, and stocks. Education encourages readers to consider continuing past high school to any number of higher education choices (vocational, community college, four-year college) and offers information on how to cover the costs. Each volume contains a short "Test Your Knowledge" quiz. The texts, although clearly written, are dry. However, students needing general information will find guidance in these books. Gareth Stevens's "Animal Math" can be a fun tool for working with young students on basic concepts. With great photographs and interesting facts, "Sports Illustrated Kids: Sports Math" from Capstone is a winner. For reference, Enslow's "Math Smarts!" is a great choice with clear examples that will encourage reluctant students. "Understanding Money" from Heinemann is a practical choice for students wanting to learn about living in the real world, and Facts On File's "Personal Finance Essentials" takes financial concepts one step further for upper high school students and older.