Module 6- Zero The Hero

Summary
Zero is a happy number, convinced that he is a superhero.  But all of that changes one day when he realizes that his fellow numbers think that he is nothing at all-- literally.  Only after he saves the day when a mischievous group of Roman numerals attacks is his positive self image restored.  Creative in its writing and subject matter, Zero the Hero weaves mathematical concepts into a fun story that older children will enjoy.

Holub, J., & Lichtenheld, T. (2012). Zero the hero. New York: Henry Holt.

My impressions
This was such a fun, creative story that I really enjoyed reading to my kids!  I was impressed with the author's integration of mathematical concepts and puns.  In addition to being a great read for kids, I think that it would be useful to teachers who may be unsure of how to incorporate different content areas into their read alouds.

Reviews

Rogers, B. (2012). Zero the Hero. Library Media Connection, 31(1), 90.
In this super fun book, Zero believes he is a hero. Unfortunately, it takes saving One through Nine from their Roman captors before the other numbers begin to see his true value and bravery. This clever story will bring new life to your number line! Younger audiences will enjoy the graphic novel-type conversations and illustrations, while older students will laugh at the funny puns, subtle math jokes, and conversations regarding multiplication, division, and Roman numerals. This story will reward teachers and students with a break from their daily math routine and is a perfect segue for teachers asking students to creatively write about math. Hooray for another entertaining book about math-a rare treasure for elementary math teachers!

Roth, K. (2013). Zero the Hero. School Library Journal, 59(6), 62.
Zero is a number who is starting to feel utterly worthless. His friends, like One and Seven, have fun playing counting games. Zero can't join in because he's not a counting number. His friends are frightened by him when it comes to multiplication because he will make them disappear. Zero leaves when his confidence reaches an all-time low. His friends realize that they need him when they can't finish math problems, but before they can tell him, they are captured by the Roman numerals. Zero becomes the hero he believed himself to be when he successfully makes the Roman numerals disappear and saves his friends. L. J. Ganser voices each number and Roman numeral in a uniquely appropriate manner, giving an added oomph to Holub's story (Holt, 2012) of mathematical heroism and witty puns.

 

 

Suggestion for library use
This would be a great book to introduce creative writing as well as Roman numerals.  Students could make up similar stories relating to letters or other academic topics.