Math Mind, Shalinee Sharma
Math Mind, Shalinee Sharma
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Math Mind
The Simple Path to Loving Math

Author: Shalinee Sharma

Narrator: Shalinee Sharma

Unabridged: 5 hr 36 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 08/06/2024


Synopsis

Bust the math myths that are holding you and your kids back and learn the importance of numeracy with this one-of-a-kind resource for parents, educators, and policymakers

Shalinee Sharma is one of the world’s top experts on math learning, but when she was in school, she sat in the back row, unsure if she could ever master the subject. Many of us buy into the idea that some people are innately good at math and others just won’t ever succeed at it—but it’s not true, and numeracy is as important as literacy when it comes to opening doors in life.

Sharma shows how complex problem solving and puzzle solving, abstract and logical thinking, developing fluency with numbers, and cultivating persistence in math are crucial skills for success that can be taught to everyone and how math, far from being a dry, dull exercise, shares common ground with art and creativity. She also debunks the myths that prevent us from learning and enjoying math, with chapters dedicated to the three roadblocks that discourage adults and kids from learning.

With instructive line drawings throughout, Sharma explains the math instinct that all humans have from birth, and better, more intuitive ways to solve math problems that are both rigorous and accessible. For anyone who has ever thought you’re “bad at math” but wants to get good—for your children and for yourself—Math Mind contains the guidance, takeaways, and specific approaches you need to learn to love numbers.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that contains select equations and other visuals from the book.

About The Author

Shalinee Sharma is a math expert and the CEO and cofounder of Zearn, a nonprofit educational organization behind the top-rated math-learning platform used by one in four elementary-school students and by one million middle-school students nationwide. In addition to her role at Zearn, she serves on the Braven board of directors, is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, and serves as co-chair of the Brown University Advisory Council for the College. She has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University. As a mom of twins, Sharma is passionate about universal access to an excellent education.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Greg on September 27, 2024

I was surprised at how good this book was. I was expecting a fairly lame attempt at getting readers to like math a bit better than they did before reading, but what I actually experienced was an inspiring account of how math really is for everyone—not just for “math kids.” At times it felt a bit cor......more

Goodreads review by Maureen on November 03, 2024

does offer ways to encourage enjoying math but rather repetitive. Sharma says "assumptions consciously and unconsciously shape our behaviour" (p2) She refers to Integrative complexity (two things are true even if they seem in opposition) and the myths about learning math. Examples are about requisit......more

Goodreads review by James on September 14, 2024

I was going to give this book 4 stars, but one of the ratings commented that it's only been out since the beginning of August, and could use the publicity. I really liked this book, and as someone who helps teach 3rd grade, this was very helpful. I think the only thing that bothered me was how many......more

Goodreads review by Madison on October 07, 2024

TLDR: If you've ever thought "I'm not good at math", read this book. I'm serious when I say this book is transformative. Even though I grew up hearing that "Girls can be in STEM!", no one went so far as to say, "Every kid is a math kid." This book does that, brilliantly so. Here's the evidence that......more

Goodreads review by Ellen on March 10, 2025

I was hopeful about this book. While I agree with many things the author says, the fact that the author is the founder and CEO of Zearn (a free math learning resource) is a bit troublesome. The reader is frequently reminded of how great Zearn is as a tool for helping students love math. Sure, there......more


Quotes

“If I had a magic wand, I’d want every parent and math teacher in America to read this book. Shalinee Sharma proves that math can be creative, beautiful, wondrous and soothing, and it should be taught that way.” —Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author, The Smartest Kids in the World

"In this timely and accessible book, Shalinee Sharma challenges not only the way we’ve been teaching math but also the way we’ve been conceptualizing it—as the province of a select few. She demonstrates that all kids can be 'math kids,' enjoying not only a greater chance of success in life but also an appreciation of the beauty of numbers."—Natalie Wexler, author of The Knowledge Gap

"This book should be read by every parent and educator — those who love math and, especially, those who think they do not." --Emily Oster, New York Times bestselling author, Cribsheet, and CEO & Founder of ParentData

“Whether you were a math kid or not, your own kid needs to be. What's more, whether you thought of yourself as a math kid or not, you were. Part manifesto, part reflection, part how-to guide---Math Mind will convince you that math is a language anyone can learn when properly taught, and a joy that's never too late or too early to discover.” –Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author, Grit, and Professor, University of Pennsylvania

“This brilliant book opens the doors to the future of math education. It is hands down the most engaging and best-researched book on learning math I’ve ever encountered. Don't miss this masterpiece—the children in your life will thank you as they flourish.”--Barbara Oakley, PhD, author of the bestselling A Mind for Numbers and instructor of Coursera’s online course favorite Learning How to Learn

“Shalinee Sharma proves that math anxiety stems from how it is taught, not the difficulty of the subject. There is no math gene and anyone can develop a math mind. I will be using this book to teach my son how to solve math problems and to prove that systematic learning is creative and fun! If you love math, read this book! If you’re scared of math, definitely read this book!”Kristy Shen, author of Quit Like a Millionaire