Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday POSTED BY ANNE MARIE MARSHALL

Title: Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Author: Judith Viorst

Illustrator: Ray Cruz

Recommended Grade Level: 2

Common Core Mathematics Standard:

1.NBT.4. Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number, and adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used. Understand that in adding two-digit numbers, one adds tens and tens, ones and ones; and sometimes it is necessary to compose a ten.

1.NBT.5. Given a two-digit number, mentally find 10 more or 10 less than the number, without having to count; explain the reasoning used.

2.NBT.5. Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.

Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice:

CCSS MATH PRACTICE MP4 Model with mathematics.

Summary: This story is about a young boy named Alexander who has a hard time saving and even keeping money. In the story, Alexander's grandparents gave him a dollar -- and that made him feel rich. There were so many things that he could do with all of that money! For example, he could buy as much gum as he wanted, or even a walkie-talkie, if he saved enough. But somehow the money began to disappear because Alexander just HAD to buy several different things.

Rating: ***** I highly recommend this book as it has several important mathematical connections for students. The story provides a real-life mathematical problem for students to relate to.

Classroom Ideas: This book could be used with several mathematical topics including addition, subtraction, budgeting, and money. Students could use money manipulatives to act out how Alexander's money kept disappearing. Students could also keep track of Alexander's spending using repeated subtraction. Students could also compare the prices of items in the book with current prices and make a similar book of their own.