“The Life of Fred Fractions”, unlike like all other math textbooks, presents itself in the form of vary humorous novel. The story surrounds the adventures of a morning (meaning that literally) of the 5-½ year old Math professor, Fred Gauss. Unlike other math textbooks that shows pictures of young children at play (not quite sure what children at play has to do with math) “Life of Fred Fractions” shows pictures that actually go along with the story being told. For example, when Fred is walking along the side of the side of the street, the picture shows Fred walking along the side of the street, not a 6-year-old girl playing leapfrog with her friend. So, enough of the over view, since this is a review, I’m going to name the pros and cons about this book, then I’ll give my final verdict.
I’ll name the pros about this book first. First off, since this math textbook is in a novel format, you read a bit of the story then you answer some questions. Because there is a story line attached to this math textbook, it’s more interesting to read then a normal math textbook. So instead of reading an insanely stupid question like “Betty walks seven miles a week, how many miles does she walk in an average four week month?” You read an interesting and funny story that shows you when you’d use the form of math you’re learning so you won’t think “When am I going to use this?” Second, the way the book is written is amazing! I’ve never had a math book written the way the “Life of Fred” math series is written. Third, there is a “The Life of Fred” math book for any age. And I’m serious; you can get a “Life of Fred” math textbook from the 1st grade, to your 3rd year in collage. Forth, if you struggle in a specific math topic, there is a companion book with extra drills corresponding with that math topic. Fifth, “The Life of Fred” math is affordable. And lastly, since you don’t actually write in the textbook, one textbook can be reused for siblings if you have any, thus saving your parents money.
Now I’ll name the cons about this math textbook. First, if you’re an audio learner, you’ll struggle with this math textbook because there is no audio. Instead, buy “Teaching Textbooks” since it is a computer program that gives you audio lectures on how to do different forms of math Second because you don’t write in the book, you have to write everything by hand. Third, as far as I’m aware, “The Life of Fred” math series is only in English. So if you can’t read and understand English, I wouldn’t recommend it. Forth, in “The Life of Fred Fractions” they only give you a maximum of ten math problems at the end of each chapter. So if you like doing a lot of math problems, this math textbook doesn’t provide that, so you’ll have to either get the companion book, or print more math sheets out from the internet. Lastly, people without a sense of humor won’t find this math textbook vary enjoyable.
So this concludes my review of “The Life of Fred Fractions”. I give it a 9/10. It’s a Very great math textbook, and I highly recommend buying it.
Captain
