The Case of the Locked Time Capsule

Gr 1-3–A time capsule from the year 2000 is discovered at Lincoln Elementary, and it can only be unlocked by solving a series of geometry problems. As Mr. Jeb’s class attempts to solve the clues, readers can play along in this “pick-your-own-path mystery.” Each of the five clues is presented with two possible answers, and readers turn to the page corresponding to their answer choice. The page for the wrong answer offers an explanation of how to solve the clue, then sends readers on to the correct answer page where the story moves on. The publisher states the clues and explanations support second-grade CCSS standards, and this content does seem appropriately challenging for that grade. While this text could certainly enhance a math lesson, it is unlikely to have broad appeal outside of a classroom environment. The math puzzles are the sole focus, and everything else about this book is flat. The characters are diverse in skin color, but lack any personality and are fairly indistinguishable. The language is stilted, reading alternately like a script or a textbook. Although the artwork often enhances the math explanations, the flat comic style does not add much excitement or personality to the work.