Literature+Connections

1. Tompert, A. (1990). Grandfather Tang's Story. New York: Crown Publishers. This is a story about a little girl and her grandfather using tangrams to transform themselves into different animals. This interactive story about tangrams has so many connections to teaching children math concepts.

2. Burns, M. (2008). Spaghetti and meatballs for all! A mathematical story. New York: Scholastic. This story is about a couple hosting a family reunion and readjusting their table to accommodate all of their guests. This is a great intro book to perimeter and can lead into area.

3. Murphy, S.J. (2002). Bigger, better, best! New York: HarperCollins. This story is about siblings who argue over everything. In an effort to decide who has the biggest and best room, they decide to find the area. This is a great interactive book to read with children.

4. Murphy, S.J. (2002). Racing around. New York: HarperCollins. This story is about a boy wanting to ride his bike in an annual race. He practices by riding around a park, of lesser distance. This is a good book to foster understanding of perimeter.

5. Neuschwander, C. (2006). Sir Cumference and the Isle of Immeter. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge. This book is about a girl visiting her family and learning to play a game called "Inners and Edges." This game leads her to find the area and perimeter of circles. It does lead to more complex concepts that would be great with middle school students.

6. Pollack, P., & Belviso, M. (2002). Chickens on the move. New York: Kane This book is about children creating a pen for their new chickens. They realize that they can create different shapes, but the perimeter will stay the same.