Becoming a Problem Solving Genius: A Handbook of Math Strategies

I like really good math books, books that turn some confusing problems into easy ones, books that have challenge, intelligence and fun. This book has problems for different levels and it gives children keys to solving the problems. If you have a gifted kid, he'll pick up the book, read it, and he'll run to you for an explanations only for some of the "Super Einstein Level" problems. If your kid struggles with math, this book can be very helpful in teaching the kid how to approach and solve the problems that even some adults find confusing.

I'd call this book perfect for middle school on up if you plan to use it as is. For many younger children (lower than 4th grade)to teach the material, you'd have to be willing to present the concepts in examples you've rewritten. Examples: [In Chapter 1] 160 divided by 1/3 = 53 1/3. In Chapter 3, Level 1 problem 1 is simple subtraction...but if a student doesn't already know that a straight line = 180 degrees, he or she will just get frustrated that a number is "missing". And later in the book there are some variables and exponents. My son is entering 5th; his math level is just out of pre-algebra/getting into "real" algebra (I've supplemented at home)...if I were relying only upon what children learn through fourth grade at school, he would be too distracted by the computation to get the problem solving benefit out of it. I don't think the book is presented as being for elementary students. But if you purchase this book to use [as is] for someone comfortable with fractions and some basic pre-algebra concepts...you'll have no regrets.

Just get it!

Overall, I was please with the book and the various concepts covered. The only issue for me was that sometimes there was an easier way to solve the problem than by using the method presented in the book. I like that it includes various levels on the same concept. I also appreciated some chapters that addressed easy ways to get fooled or fall into a "trap." I would recommend this book for anyone looking to spend some quality time working with their child at home on problem solving.

This book has turned out to be very useful in helping me teach my 6th grader how to think logically and "algebraically" and solve the work problems that her math class. The author serves up a lot of different problem solving strategies that adults may have internalized, but kids have not. A side note. If you have a child struggling with math, and you can't remember the math yourself, the Khan Academy website is very helpful in bringing you up to speed with common core math and with plenty of tutorial videos, and it's free.

A few years ago I used this book in my classroom for my students. I lost my copy and ordered this copy. Book is in a decent condition and realized that someone had bought it before, used the book and worked out on problems ( photos provided) . Amazon did not check for the condition and sent it to me. I am not happy as I cannot use these pages for my students. Still keeping this book as I need it for my classroom. Good book. Recommend it for the students yo have extra practice and gives the opportunity to the students to solve the problems in different ways rather than the conventional methods.

I have a 2nd grader (who is advanced for his age) and this book is written in such a way that he can grasp the concepts without feeling overwhelmed. The "cartooning" style is easy to follow and entertaining while still being educational. We were looking for something for him to use to develop his probleming solving skills. This was an excellent place to start.

I got this for my 4 th grader who loves numbers. This book has fun cartoons inside explaining math concepts to draw kids attention and I love the questions and the answer sheet with detailed explanations.

I wonder why the price on the back cover is printed $24.95 but it's sold price is $34.95? The item came in a good shape though.