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Books Related to Probability

For all readers:

Jumanji
by Chris Van Allsburg, illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg
Dale Seymour Publications [2000]
ISBN: 0769026265

Mathematics Subject[s]: Statistics, Data Analysis, & Probability

With a toss of the dice, two bored children find themselves on the adventure of a life time. In this Caldecott-winning book, Peter and Judy find themselves unleashing some very strange happenings as they play Jumanji: A Jungle Adventure, including an erupting volcano, a rhinoceros stampede, and an attack by voracious monkeys looking for their food that Judy has hidden in the family’s kitchen. And it all begins with the probability of a dice-toss, giving all readers a chance to ponder what might happen if…

One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale
By Demi, illustrated by Demi
Scholastic Trade [April 1997]
ISBN: 059093998X

Mathematics Subject[s]: Number Sense, Probability & Statistics, Data Analysis

In this retelling of a classic folktale, a young girl outwits a greedy rajah. Her reward? Simply this: she asks for a grain of rice a day, doubled every day for thirty days. Her cleverness results in even greater rewards: her starving village gets more than a billion grains of rice and the rajah himself learns a lesson in fairness and humility—all because one person knew about numbers and the way they work together.

For more experienced readers:

Conned Again, Watson! Cautionary Tales of Logic, Math, and Probability
by Colin Bruce
Perseus Publishing; 1st edition [January 15, 2002]
ISBN: 0738205893

Mathematics Subject[s]: Mathematical Reasoning, Measurement & Geometry, Statistics, Data Analysis, & Probability

Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson rise again, this time to tackle twelve mathematical mysteries with cunning and aplomb. This time, evil is afoot in the form of the unfortunate businessman, the gambling nobleman, and the perfect accountant, among others. And all it takes is superb logic—and a vast knowledge of probability, statistics, decision and gaming theories—to put their dastardly plans to rest. Luckily, Holmes is up to the task. Each case serves to demonstrate that there has never been a more a more interesting way to learn how to spot a scam artist or take a calculated (but mathematically assured) risk.

Imaginary Numbers: An Anthology of Marvelous Mathematical Stories, Diversions, Poems, and Musings
by William Frucht
John Wiley & Sons [September 1999]
ISBN: 0471332445

Mathematics Subject[s]: Algebra, Mathematical Reasoning, Measurement & Geometry, Number Sense, Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability

Imaginary Numbers: An Anthology of Marvelous Mathematical Stories, Diversions, Poems, and Musings is an intriguing title for a collection of equally intriguing works by a variety of noted authors, both past and present. Touching on a variety of basic and modern mathematics, these works by the likes of Edwin Abbott, Lewis Carroll, Italo Calvino and others offer something for every reader and skill level. As editor William Frucht offers, “Using mathematics to tell stories and using stories to explain mathematics are two sides of the same coin.”

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