Knots on a Counting Rope

I have been choosing books from numerous lists I have gotten off of the internet to start my studies, but as with anything you find on the internet, it's not always trustworthy. Today's book, Knots on a Counting Rope by Bill Martin, is an example of one of those books that I read the book and looked at what was said online about the book and thought, "Huh?" An important part of learning though is not only finding good examples but finding examples that aren't the greatest. Who knows, maybe I'm missing something and someone else who's mind works differently than mine will comment and prove me wrong.

This book is a story about a boy and his grandfather. The boy has grown up on what looks like an Indian reservation and continually asks his grandfather to tell him the story of when he was born and various stories of his life. The grandfather tells him the stories and every time he tells a story he adds a knot on the counting rope (to count how many times he has told the story).

While I was reading this book, I was waiting for that "aha!" moment where the connection to mathematics clicked with me, but I finished the book and never got an "aha!" moment. You could stretch some things out of it, but I think there are so many other books that are out there that could provide stronger connections to mathematical concepts.

On the bright side, if you're looking for a book to teach dialogue or family traditions and relationships, I'd encourage you to read this book!