Let's Make a Circle Graph

November 1, 2012

K-Gr 2-These basic books provide step-by-step instructions for creating graphs. Nelson features a set of characters with a task to accomplish. For example, in Picture Graph, three children "wanted to show how many apples they picked." The instructions are clearly written and the illustrations that support the creation of the graphs are helpful. The photos attempting to show the kids in real-life situations can look a bit staged. Circle Graph is the weakest of the set, as it is too simplistic; the data is too easily divided to give students a full understanding. Each title contains a spread that tests children's knowledge and another that gives them a recap of how to create the featured graph or more information. The questions require appropriate advanced math thinking and will challenge the youngest in the targeted age group. Overall, these books provide strong simple instructions and will give teachers solid supplemental material when teaching graphing.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.