Danica McKellar might be most well known for her role as Winnie Cooper on The Wonder Years, but she is also a renowned mathematician and published author. Her most recent book, Kiss My Math, seeks to empower preteen girls to succeed in pre-algebra.
Kiss My Math is the second math book aimed at middle school girls by Danica McKellar. Her first book, Math Doesn’t Suck, was published in 2007 to mixed reviews. McKellar teaches math by using metaphors and scenarios that teenage girls can relate to and enjoy. She talks about shopping, beauty, boys and gossip, all presented in a book that resembles a teen-magazine.
In an interview, Danica McKellar said, "The media tells girls that math/science lovers are nerdy white males with pocket protectors, etc, and that girls ought to focus on looking like the women they see in magazines. While that’s clearly a superficial goal, let’s face it, things like makeup and hair products and fashion can be a lot of fun. Why should I be telling girls they have to shun all of that fun in order to develop their minds?"
McKellar’s comments can’t be denied. Hopefully Kiss My Math will help change the image of math from being something only for dweeby non-socialites into something fun, glamorous and exciting for teenagers.
Source: Scienceblogs.com
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