Module 2 Book Blog 2: Zero the Hero

Module 2 Book Blog 2:  Zero the Hero by: Joan Holub and Tom Lichtenheld

Book Cover Image: 

Book Summary:

Numbers One through Nine think they are pretty special, and that Zero really doesn’t have an important role.  He doesn’t add anything to a number, he doesn’t take anything away from a number, the other numbers can’t be divided by him, and then in multiplication he makes the other numbers disappear, which does not go over well at all.  Zero feels pretty down on himself so he decided to disappear.  The other numbers quickly realize how important Zero was after all when they can no longer add to ten, or round up and down.  They especially need him to be their hero when they are captured by the Romans (numerals that is).   Zero is finally able to prove his worth and not only rescue his friends, but find true joy in himself.

APA Reference of Book:

Holub, J & Lichtenheld, T. (2012). Zero the Hero. New York, NY.  Henry Holt and Co.

Impressions:

This book is wonderful on so many levels.  It is a wonderful piece of literature to accompany the “Zero the Hero” lessons used by many schools.  Additionally, it reemphasized important math concepts for several grade levels.  Basic rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rounding, and roman numerals are discussed. Children will love the personality of each number and the humorous approach the author brings to the story.  This is an action packed story that keeps readers wanting to turn the pages to find out what will happen.  It also provides a excellent message of self acceptance and the strengths that each “person” holds inside of them.

Professional Review:

School Library Review:

Gr 1–4—Zero believes in himself and thinks he's a superhero. But the other numbers look at him as a nothing and make fun of him. They overshadow and even misidentify him. They show him that in addition, subtraction, and division, they always "win" by being the answer to the math equation, but when Zero finds that he always prevails in multiplication, the other numbers become frightened and flee. He feels guilty for scaring them away and he disappears. The others start to miss him, and then they are captured by Roman numerals dressed as soldiers. Zero hears their calls for help and rescues them with his knowledge of multiplication. The numerals gladly welcome his return and hail him as the hero. Lichtenheld's expressive cartoon illustrations utilize ink, pastel, and colored pencils to give each number a clear identity and personality. The text is clearly written on each page, and the numbers always add their own comments or opinions in dialogue balloons. This tale not only reinforces mathematical principles, but also has a great message about friendship and personal feelings. It can be read aloud, alone, or performed as reader's theater.—Lia Carruthers, Roxbury Public Library, Succasunna, NJ

Source: Carruthers, L. (2012). Zero the hero. School Library Journal, 58 (2), 90.

Found Through: UNT Library Database – LexisNexis Academic

Link: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2052/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sr&csi=256569

Library Uses:

Zero the Hero could certainly be used when collaborating with classroom math teachers.  In the lower grades, it could be used to understand the importance of counting by tens, as well as simple addition and subtraction concepts.  Learners could practice these skills with manipulatives after the story is read.  When working with upper grades, the librarian could use this book when multiplication, division, and rounding are being taught in the classroom.  Again this could be practiced after a read-a-loud, but the students could create story problems that use zero. 

As mentioned in the professional review, this story would also serve as an excellent readers theater.  Students could take on the different parts of the numbers, Zero, and the Romans.  If there was time for a technology component to be added, students could make a short iMovie for the story too.