The smaller the fraction, the bigger the number. This fact has perplexed many budding mathematicians as they try to make sense of this maths concept. The books below provide a fun introduction to fractions for young learners as well as opportunities to practise and revise for more advanced learners. Whether learning first fractions such as a half or a quarter or working with equivalent or mixed fractions, these books help to support and embed learning.
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Fraction Fun
by David A. Adler (Author), Nancy Tobin (Illustrator)
Review: Bright and inviting, Fraction Fun makes a perfect introduction to fractions for young learners. The book begins by explaining how we use fractions in our daily lives, such as when telling the time or cutting a pizza into half, quarters, etc. It also takes a look at fractions and money. The explanation uses dollars, but links can easily be made with other currencies. Readers are encouraged to look for fractions around them and are invited to carry out some “Pizza Math”. Bold, vibrant illustrations make this both an informative and enjoyable introduction.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8 years old.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Edible Maths: In the book, readers create “Pizza Math” by colouring in a paper plate. To enhance students’ engagement, make a pizza together, then cut it into halves, followed by quarters, etc. To extend this learning experience, provide students with a recipe that they first need to halve or double, so giving them additional practice in working with fractions.
If You Were A Fraction
by Trisha Sue Speed Shaskan (Author), Francesca Carabelli (Illustrator)
Review: This fun, colourful book provides a joyous welcome to fractions. Appealingly illustrated animal characters introduce the concept of a whole divided into equal parts in a child-friendly manner. Young learners find out about halves, thirds, fourths and eighths, as well as sets. Packed full of alliteration, “zany zebra” “loopy leopard” “proud peacock”, there is also plenty to explore from a language perspective. An informative page at the back of the book provides a brief glossary of terms along with further books to read and a link to the FactHound website.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 9 years old. In my opinion, this is better suited to readers between 5 and 7 years of age.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Animal Fractions: Having explored the fractions introduced in the book, further extend students’ learning by looking at more fraction examples. Ask learners to come up with an animal character to explain the fraction.
Fractions In Disguise
by Edward Einhorn (Author), David Clark (Illustrator)
Review: What better way to learn about fractions than following the exploits of George Corneilus Factor as he hunts for a missing fraction hidden by the dastardly villain Dr. Brok. This entertaining story captures readers’ attention as they follow George’s exploits. Through reading the story, children learn how to simplify fractions to their lowest common denominator. Featuring a cast of zany characters, such as Madame de Géométrique and Baron von Mathematik, and engaging illustrations, this book is a gem. Children will want to return to this over and again as they become more able to independently solve the mystery along with George.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 10 years old. I believe that this is better suited to the upper end of this age bracket owing to the concepts explored.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Another Adventure: Ask students to come up with a fraction or maths mystery story inspired by Fractions in Disguise. They can use their own characters or incorporate those from the book. Alternatively, ask students to substitute different fractions into the story for others to simplify.
Sir Cumference and the Fracton Faire
by Cindy Neuschwander (Author), Wayne Geehan (Illustrator)
Review: A newer addition to the Sir Cumference series, Sir Cumference and the Fracton Faire introduces readers to the world of fractions. Full of puns and wordplay, this fun adventure involves the setting of a numeric trap to catch a thief. Learners will enjoy solving the puzzles as they read along. Terms such as numerator and denominator, for example, are simply explained with the illustrations further clarifying their meaning and how they are represented on paper. This book is a superb entry point into fractions.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 10 years old. Colleagues have also used this series successfully in Middle School.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Riddles: Set a series of riddles and puzzles centred around fractions for a partner to solve.
Fractions Essentials Workbook
by Chris McMullen, Ph.D.
Review: This comprehensive workbook provides more advanced learners ample opportunities to revise and consolidate a wide array of fraction concepts. The book begins with a pre-assessment task, allowing readers to identify their existing competence. The ensuing chapters introduce the concept to be addressed, provide annotated examples of how to work with the concept and then follow this with practice exercises. An answer key at the back allows learners to check their results. Concepts covered include adding and subtracting fractions and reducing and comparing fractions. Decimals, mixed numbers, ratio and proportion are also reviewed.
Suggested Reading Age: Secondary school students.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Create Your Own: Ask students to create practice exercises for each other. They will also need to provide the answer key, showing how the problem was solved.
Happy Reading!
Other Maths Posts You May Enjoy:
Measurement: Volume & Capacity
Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
If YOU know of any other fraction books to add to this list, please leave a recommendation below.