The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure
By Hanz Magnus Enzensberger
J ENZ
The Number Devil is a thought-provoking book. Robert, a twelve-year-old student hates his math teacher, Mr. Bockel, and the word problems his teacher assigns. One night the number devil interrupts Robert’s dream. After hearing Robert complain about word problems, he says, “There’s nothing wrong with a little addition and subtraction… But mathematics, my boy, that’s something else again!”
Over the course of twelve nights, the number devil introduces Robert to prime numbers, infinity, sequences and series, famous mathematicians, axioms, and even topology. The tone is playful rather than didactic and quite a lot of complex concepts are covered in interesting and readable fashion allowing the reader to think and learn along with Robert.
The number devil has his own terms for mathematical concepts. For instance, prime numbers are called prima donna numbers, irrational numbers are called unreasonable numbers,and square roots are called rutabagas. A “Seek-and-Ye-Shall-Find List” in the back translates the number devil’s terms to the mathematical term and provides a helpful topical index.
Mathematics is revealed to be much, much more than arithmetic. Those who already enjoy math class will love The Number Devil. Those who hate math, but read the book anyway, may change their minds about the subject. Recommended for grades 4 and up.
Reviewed by Margaret Ballard
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