Children Literature and Mathematics: Analyzing the Educational Potential of Math-Themed Books

Rüveyda Karaman Dündar

doi:10.18009/jcer.1639207

TR EN

Children Literature and Mathematics: Analyzing the Educational Potential of Math-Themed Books

Öz

Effective mathematical communication plays a key role in students' understanding and success in mathematics, and studies emphasize the value of children's literature, which weaves in mathematical concepts, as it helps learners connect tangible experiences with abstract ideas. This study explores two such books— How Many Lives Does Mathematics Have? and The Number Devil—through the lens of established Evaluation Standards for Children's Mathematical Books and Counting Book Typology found in academic literature. The results show that How Many Lives Does Mathematics Have? aligns well with middle school curricula and introduces mathematical ideas through real-world contexts and notable historical figures. On the other hand, The Number Devil uses an imaginative storyline and mythical character. Its structure makes it appealing to both middle and high school audiences. Both books use narrative and illustrations to present mathematical ideas in accessible ways. This study emphasizes the potential of children’s literature regarding mathematical communication and conceptual understanding and offers guidance for educators seeking engaging, content-rich children's books for classroom use.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Children , math-themed children , student

Children Literature and Mathematics: Analyzing the Educational Potential of Math-Themed Books

Abstract

Effective mathematical communication plays a key role in students' understanding and success in mathematics, and studies emphasize the value of children's literature, which weaves in mathematical concepts, as it helps learners connect tangible experiences with abstract ideas. This study explores two such books— How Many Lives Does Mathematics Have? and The Number Devil—through the lens of established Evaluation Standards for Children's Mathematical Books and Counting Book Typology found in academic literature. The results show that How Many Lives Does Mathematics Have? aligns well with middle school curricula and introduces mathematical ideas through real-world contexts and notable historical figures. On the other hand, The Number Devil uses an imaginative storyline and mythical character. Its structure makes it appealing to both middle and high school audiences. Both books use narrative and illustrations to present mathematical ideas in accessible ways. This study emphasizes the potential of children’s literature regarding mathematical communication and conceptual understanding and offers guidance for educators seeking engaging, content-rich children's books for classroom use.

Keywords

Children , math-themed children , student

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Mathematics Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Rüveyda Karaman Dündar ^*
0000-0002-8903-9627
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

July 14, 2025

Publication Date

October 21, 2025

Submission Date

February 13, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 2, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 13 Number: 26

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1639207

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA88NH27ZH

APA

Karaman Dündar, R. (2025). Children Literature and Mathematics: Analyzing the Educational Potential of Math-Themed Books. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 13(26), 654-677. https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1639207