Charlie Numbers and the Woolly Mammoth

Gr 4-6–In this mystery for math and science lovers, the Whiz Kids discover a woolly mammoth tusk and some strange red rock in the Boston Public Gardens. Who buried these artifacts, and why? The Whiz Kids, along with some new friends and a mad scientist, are on the case. Though readers unfamiliar with the series will understand this title, they’ll enjoy the books more if they read them in sequence. Elements of math and science enhance the twisty plot, and the characters are knowledgeable in various areas: rocks, fossils, and more. The Whiz Kids, along with readers, learn about carbon dating and differentiating between elephant and woolly mammoth tusks. Even Newton’s third law of motion plays a role. There are also a few history lessons on Boston thrown in. The novel is packed with information and advanced vocabulary, which could hinder appeal to reluctant readers.