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Which One Doesn't Belong?: A Shapes Book
Which One Doesn't Belong? has won the Mathical Book Prize , which will be presented to Christopher Danielson at the National Math Festival in Washington, DC on April 22, 2017. The Mathical Book Prize is an annual award for fiction and nonfiction books that inspire children of all ages to see math in the world around them. Every colorful page of Christopher Danielson's children's picture book, Which One Doesn't Belong?, contains a thoughtfully designed set of four shapes. Each of the shapes can be a correct answer to the question Which one doesn't belong?- Because all their answers are right answers, students naturally shift their focus to justifications and arguments based on the shapes' geometric properties. In the companion teacher's guide,(978-1-62531-081-1) Danielson shows how to facilitate rich discussions and teach mathematical argumentation using Which One Doesn't Belong? He models how to listen closely and respectfully to students' ideas about shapes. Danielson synthesizes research about how children learn geometry, discusses the role of geometry in the mathematics curriculum, and gives plenty of practical advice about different ways to implement Which One Doesn't Belong? in classrooms. He also discusses the mathematical ideas likely to emerge on each page and-;drawing from his direct experience using Which One Doesn't Belong? at several different grade levels-;helps teachers anticipate and think about students' likely answers. Most curricula treat geometry as little more than vocabulary lessons. Which One Doesn't Belong? and its accompanying guide are powerful, flexible resources teachers can use to provoke lively discussions and deep learning about shapes with students of all ages.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published September 2, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 1, 2020
My 5 year old had fun figuring out which shape didn't belong. I'd choose a different one and explain why I thought so, then we'd look at the other two and explain why someone might pick them. We got out a protractor and measured different angles as well.
April 15, 2017
Used this with my second grade class. They really enjoyed telling which shape didn't belong and why. Explaining their choice is important.
April 11, 2018
This thought-provoking book presents sets of four shapes and asks: which one doesn't belong? The brilliant part is, there are no wrong answers. Each shape has something unique about it. The question is - what? Why doesn't it belong? This fresh take on a math book will appeal to the gifted or math-phobic alike. The math-squeamish have no fear of wrong answers and more advanced readers can challenge themselves by thinking about the ways in which each one of the shapes differs from others in the set. I hope this book spawns a series.
August 5, 2020
I have a soon to be 3, 5, and 7 year old grand-nieces and nephew so I thought this might be a good book for all. the youngest can learn to observe shapes, the second to see some connections and the oldest to present arguments re: not/belonging. It will make children think and there are no wrong answers! I think this is a very good developmental book, especially during Covid quarantine. I'll get his second book too for them (How Many?)
August 29, 2017
Mind blown! This requires, logic, conversation, and other skills! It is math, but it could be debate, because you have to defend your choice. I like that it says all answers are right, but you have to back up as to why! I could defend each one but, I could hear a lively math discussion, debate, war! Beehive Book award 2019 ?? Maybe!!
January 14, 2020
I thought this was a brilliant book! My 8-year old son and I spent 30 minutes last night reading and discussing and explaining and justifying our thinking to each other over this book. I am always looking for ways to incorporate more science and math into my storytimes and I can't wait to use this book! Great for any age.
November 22, 2021
This is a great book to initiate math whether to your kids or in your classrooms. Students can expand their critical thinking and analysis skills by explaining and justifying their answers throughout the 10 problems.
January 25, 2023
This book will make you and your young readers think. It will encourage readers to take their time while they think. And there are no right or wrong answers, just reasons for choices. It’s absolutely brilliant. I want every kid to spend some time with this book.
January 10, 2017
I love this a lot, and I've also loved the whole range of WODB that have resulted from this.
There's a good range of difficulties here (and the last one being meta-ish was really cool).
There's a good range of difficulties here (and the last one being meta-ish was really cool).
January 1, 2019
Great concept book!
October 31, 2019
I can see this fitting the CLEL bell talk, but also fun for older kids to work on language skills. As a lover of math and a lover of things that don't just have one answer this is my cup of tea.
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November 7, 2019Mama read this to my class during school library time.
December 17, 2019
Will add to my 1st grade unit about sorting and categories.
January 4, 2020
This book is built for one on one reading, with interaction I’ve never experienced before! You have a conversation with the book. Will definitely order this for our library collection.
January 18, 2020
A preschool and up book where shapes are shown and the reader is asked to identify one that does not belong. tricky.
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February 28, 2019Math, early literacy, shapes
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews