THE BLACK MATHEMATICIAN
SUGGESTED READINGS
The following books provide further details about the some of the leading black pioneers in the mathematical sciences and promote children to think mathematically from an early age.
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS TAKES A RISK: A BOOK ABOUT PROBABILITY
The Magic School Bus Takes a Risk: A Book about Probability aims to show children that math has the power to bring them on amazing journeys. With Ms. Frizzle leading an adventurous field trip, the children meet Maxine, an actuary, and explore how actuaries help people understand and lessen risk for the community.
A VERY IMPROBABLE STORY (CHARLESBRIDGE MATH ADVENTURES)
Ethan wakes up one morning to find a very strange cat stuck on his head. The cat, Odds, refuses to budge until Ethan wins a game of probability. Without looking, Ethan must pick out a dime from his coin collection or two matching socks from his dresser, or do something else improbable. If he doesn't, Odds is there to stay, and Ethan has a 100% chance of missing his big soccer game.
A very improbable story about a challenging math concept.
IT'S PROBABLY PENNY
Lisa's class is learning about probability. For part of her homework, she has to think of an event that will happen, one that might happen, and one that can't happen. Who is that Boston terrier that keeps popping into Lisa's imagination? It's probably Penny!
Loreen Leedy is widely praised for her ability to make concepts fun and accessible to children, and she has done it again in this great introduction to probability.
BEYOND BANNEKER: BLACK MATHEMATICIANS AND THE PATHS TO EXCELLENCE
An in-depth look at the lives, experiences, and professional careers of Black mathematicians in the United States.Erica N. Walker presents a compelling story of Black mathematical excellence in the United States. Much of the research and discussion about Blacks and mathematics focuses on underachievement; by documenting in detail the experiences of Black mathematicians, this book broadens significantly the knowledge base about mathematically successful African Americans.
COUNTING ON KATHERINE: HOW KATHERINE JOHNSON SAVED APOLLO 13
A deeper dive of the story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race. From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, Counting on Katherine is the story of a groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history.
THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN BANNEKER
The definitive biography of Benjamin Banneker, the self-educated mathematician and astronomer who became America's first black scientist and astronomer.