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Ranbir: A seven-year old's introduction to higher mathematics
Ranbir told me about a little game once. He asked me how thick would a block of paper be if you could fold one sheet 50 times. I thought a bit and finally made a "C" with my hand. "I'n'know, this thick?" He laughed and called me a dummy. Try it! he said, but be sure you have a big sheet of paper. Really big. My name is Buck O'Doul. I'm only seven years old. I decided to take up this challenge and fold the state of Nebraska 50 times and see what I came up with.
Little did I know what I was getting into -- I was being sucked into the world of higher mathematics, squares and square roots, hooky things, squishy scales and logarithms, and all pretty much just by counting on my fingers!
Little did I know what I was getting into -- I was being sucked into the world of higher mathematics, squares and square roots, hooky things, squishy scales and logarithms, and all pretty much just by counting on my fingers!
80 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 11, 2023
Can the unbounded imagination of a seven-year-old bring him to new worlds of higher mathematics? We’ll find out in Ranbir by Mona Semerau.
The year is 2020 and Buck, a seven-year-old, is in his imaginary solitary confinement for not being able to explain the significance of 1619. Ranbir, a smart kid in Buck’s class, responds to that same question with a “1619 is a prime number!” Ranbir mysteriously disappears after that, leading Buck to think that his classmate is currently imprisoned for his transgressions. Back in his imaginary solitary confinement, Buck ponders the mind game that Ranbir once introduced to him: folding a sheet of paper 50 times. Buck and his unbounded imagination started by traversing half the state of Nebraska with his red truck, folding the sheet of paper as he goes. Eventually, Buck reaches a point when he needs to use his calculator to figure out the next steps. Lo and behold, on his 52nd fold, Buck and his red truck whizzes past the sun.
When Buck is able to meet with Ranbir again, Ranbir starts teaching our seven-year-old protagonist about the concepts of decimals and fractions using a toothpick and beads and imagination. 1/10 is popcorn, 1/100 is styrofoam, and 1/1000 is a fluff bunny (or a mouse fart, which is what Buck prefers to imagine). At this point, Ranbir starts giving Buck exercises using strips of paper marked from 1 to 10 but with the gaps between each number increasing not by the same amount but by multiplying. Here, Buck gets introduced to the world of logarithmic scale and the concept of the slide rule.
Ranbir by Mona Semerau is an intriguing mathematical fiction that encourages readers to explore the wonders of higher mathematics by going on a journey through the imaginative and curious mind of a seven-year-old boy. This book begins strongly with the concept of exponential growth with Buck folding the state of Nebraska while riding his imaginary red truck. This was a fantastic concept but that adventure ended far too quickly. After that, half of the book shows Buck following instructions on how to make a logarithmic slide rule. I liked that the author was able to explain decimals and fractions to young readers using tangible representations such as popcorn and fluff bunnies. However, the book covered too many concepts with detailed instructions which may potentially hinder reader interest. There are diagrams but they’re too few and far between which may hamper younger readers’ comprehension. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it focused on just one concept and explored it thoroughly through the eyes of a child going on an adventure. Meanwhile, the occasional confusing transitions, such as Buck dreaming about the logarithmic scale one moment and then Ranbir going to trial the next, can be attributed to the wild imagination of the seven-year-old narrator. As an adult who has enjoyed mathematics since childhood, I appreciated the author showing that mathematics is all about patterns. It’s where its beauty lies - really.
Quill says: Ranbir: A Seven-Year Old's Introduction to Higher Mathematics is a math-based fiction about a wildly imaginative seven-year-old and his foray into the brave new world of higher mathematics.
The year is 2020 and Buck, a seven-year-old, is in his imaginary solitary confinement for not being able to explain the significance of 1619. Ranbir, a smart kid in Buck’s class, responds to that same question with a “1619 is a prime number!” Ranbir mysteriously disappears after that, leading Buck to think that his classmate is currently imprisoned for his transgressions. Back in his imaginary solitary confinement, Buck ponders the mind game that Ranbir once introduced to him: folding a sheet of paper 50 times. Buck and his unbounded imagination started by traversing half the state of Nebraska with his red truck, folding the sheet of paper as he goes. Eventually, Buck reaches a point when he needs to use his calculator to figure out the next steps. Lo and behold, on his 52nd fold, Buck and his red truck whizzes past the sun.
When Buck is able to meet with Ranbir again, Ranbir starts teaching our seven-year-old protagonist about the concepts of decimals and fractions using a toothpick and beads and imagination. 1/10 is popcorn, 1/100 is styrofoam, and 1/1000 is a fluff bunny (or a mouse fart, which is what Buck prefers to imagine). At this point, Ranbir starts giving Buck exercises using strips of paper marked from 1 to 10 but with the gaps between each number increasing not by the same amount but by multiplying. Here, Buck gets introduced to the world of logarithmic scale and the concept of the slide rule.
Ranbir by Mona Semerau is an intriguing mathematical fiction that encourages readers to explore the wonders of higher mathematics by going on a journey through the imaginative and curious mind of a seven-year-old boy. This book begins strongly with the concept of exponential growth with Buck folding the state of Nebraska while riding his imaginary red truck. This was a fantastic concept but that adventure ended far too quickly. After that, half of the book shows Buck following instructions on how to make a logarithmic slide rule. I liked that the author was able to explain decimals and fractions to young readers using tangible representations such as popcorn and fluff bunnies. However, the book covered too many concepts with detailed instructions which may potentially hinder reader interest. There are diagrams but they’re too few and far between which may hamper younger readers’ comprehension. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it focused on just one concept and explored it thoroughly through the eyes of a child going on an adventure. Meanwhile, the occasional confusing transitions, such as Buck dreaming about the logarithmic scale one moment and then Ranbir going to trial the next, can be attributed to the wild imagination of the seven-year-old narrator. As an adult who has enjoyed mathematics since childhood, I appreciated the author showing that mathematics is all about patterns. It’s where its beauty lies - really.
Quill says: Ranbir: A Seven-Year Old's Introduction to Higher Mathematics is a math-based fiction about a wildly imaginative seven-year-old and his foray into the brave new world of higher mathematics.
July 19, 2023
Ranbir: A seven-year-old's introduction to higher mathematics is a captivating and educational tale that takes readers on a journey into the world of mathematics through the eyes of Buck O'Doul, a seven-year-old with an insatiable curiosity. The story begins with Buck's friend Ranbir challenging him to fold a sheet of paper 50 times and imagine its thickness. Buck embarks on this seemingly simple task but soon finds himself delving into the complexities of higher mathematics.
Through Buck's perspective, children are introduced to squares, square roots, logarithms, and scales in a way that sparks their interest and imagination. The author skillfully weaves these ideas into the story, ensuring that young readers can grasp the principles in a fun and interactive manner. This book goes beyond teaching mathematical concepts; it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Buck's determination to overcome challenges and his joy in discovering new ideas serve as valuable life lessons for children.
This book beautifully captures the essence of perseverance and the thrill of intellectual exploration. Mona R. Semerau’s writing style is engaging and perfectly suited for young readers. The use of descriptive language and vivid imagery brings the story to life, capturing children's attention from start to finish. The well-balanced pacing allows for a smooth progression of events and concepts, ensuring that children remain enthralled without feeling overwhelmed. This book serves as an invaluable tool for educators and parents alike. It effortlessly combines entertainment and education, making mathematics both approachable and enjoyable.
Ranbir: A seven-year old's introduction to higher mathematics is a captivating and enlightening book that seamlessly integrates mathematical concepts into an engaging narrative. I highly recommend this book for its ability to foster a love for learning, critical thinking skills, and a sense of wonder in young readers.
Through Buck's perspective, children are introduced to squares, square roots, logarithms, and scales in a way that sparks their interest and imagination. The author skillfully weaves these ideas into the story, ensuring that young readers can grasp the principles in a fun and interactive manner. This book goes beyond teaching mathematical concepts; it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Buck's determination to overcome challenges and his joy in discovering new ideas serve as valuable life lessons for children.
This book beautifully captures the essence of perseverance and the thrill of intellectual exploration. Mona R. Semerau’s writing style is engaging and perfectly suited for young readers. The use of descriptive language and vivid imagery brings the story to life, capturing children's attention from start to finish. The well-balanced pacing allows for a smooth progression of events and concepts, ensuring that children remain enthralled without feeling overwhelmed. This book serves as an invaluable tool for educators and parents alike. It effortlessly combines entertainment and education, making mathematics both approachable and enjoyable.
Ranbir: A seven-year old's introduction to higher mathematics is a captivating and enlightening book that seamlessly integrates mathematical concepts into an engaging narrative. I highly recommend this book for its ability to foster a love for learning, critical thinking skills, and a sense of wonder in young readers.
July 1, 2023
Short book, suitable for Secondary age and up. This is an interesting, somewhat unusual, fiction story with maths very much in mind; in particular logarithms. I didn’t quite follow the relationship that Ranbir had that started his quest. But I learned the about the basis of doing arithmetic using logarithms. Personally I have used logarithmic for plotting, but never other mathematical functions. Thank you to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
July 9, 2023
This book was confusing, I didn't really understand what was going on. It didn't seem to have a plot or story at all. But it was kind of fun to read anyway!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews