Book Blurb:
A collection of five historical fiction adventure stories. Young heroines find themselves at turning points in history. Faced with colossal problems, they use math to find real-world solutions. How will their quick thinking and problem-solving direct the course of history?
A master of young adult historical fiction, adventure, and mystery writing, Tom Durwood gives a fresh look at some of history's pivotal moments-from a mathematical perspective! STEM meets literary finesse with his usual flair for intrigue, suspense, and immersive dialogue. In his latest collection of short stories, smart girls take on buried secrets, villains, tanks, mysteries, coded messages, and political upheaval to save their people.
We must get girls to enjoy mathematics and to be artists in that field. We need brilliant minds, women and men, of different social classes, ethnicities and schools of thought ... We must teach mathematics from different points of view and different perspectives, as Tom has done in this collection of stories. -- Sandra Uve, Author "SuperMujeres, SuperInventoras," from her Foreword
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/rubypigeometry
Author Bio:
Tom Durwood is a teacher, writer and editor with an interest in history. Tom most recently taught English Composition and Empire and Literature at Valley Forge Military College, where he won the Teacher of the Year Award five times. Tom has taught Public Speaking and Basic Communications as guest lecturer for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group at the Dam’s Neck Annex of the Naval War College.
Tom is editor of an online scholarly journal, The Journal of Empire Studies (www.empirestudies.org). Peter Suber, Berkman Fellow at Harvard University, an advocate of the open access movement, praises the journal as “a new opportunity for overcoming access barriers to knowledge and research.” Dr. Julian Fisher of Scholarly Exchange has also applauded Tom’s efforts. “Creating valuable academic content and then hiding it behind financial firewalls - the traditional scholarly publishing model - runs counter to the essence of scholarship, learning and sharing,” according to Fisher. “To see a journal such as the Journal of Empire Studies breaking that mold is exciting.”
Tom’s newspaper column “Shelter” appeared in the North County Times for seven years. Tom earned a Masters in English Literature in San Diego, where he also served as Executive Director of San Diego Habitat for Humanity. Tom earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard, where he edited an undergraduate arts journal and studied with David McClelland (Roots of Consciousness).
Editorial Review:
“Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls” by Tom Durwood is an intelligent ensemble piece of historical fiction that embarks on an invigorating discovery of arithmetic and adventure. These stories are filled with exploration and wit. Brimmed with cultural relevance and clever humor, both educators and young readers will enjoy the adventures of Ruby Pi and friends. Tales of pioneers and possibilities, this series boasts a strong declaration of advocacy for mathematics that will spark imagination and curiosity to younger generations. Rupa (also known as Ruby Pi) is an intelligent young student that braves the challenges of prejudice and construction as her team excavates a fragmented cathedral. After securing a highly esteemed contract, Ruby uncovers other mysteries surrounding the archaic site and school. With the help of her family and team, she begins to reveal untold secrets and findings throughout their time there.
Though dangers lurk around every corner, Ruby faces the mystery of who, or what, is behind them and why. With remnants and nods to the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, Ruby Pi will have readers enchanted with intrigue. A wonderful introduction into the world of Ruby Pi and her exploits. “The day’s work had gone better than she could have hoped. The pylons had sunk almost exactly according to their estimated depths. The trusses fit snugly. All her tables had held true.” As for the geometry girls, a vivid description of a ruthless and strategic onslaught is displayed in a war-torn hospital while Simone, a courageous nurse, encounters the harrowing experience of loss. Enemies attack her fellow nurses and soldiers, while Simone braves impending horror. As she faces the stark reality that unfolds after the devastating occurrence; she is grateful for her knowledge and use of cryptanalysis to help thwart her enemies. Readers will also meet Isoke, a fierce warrior with a sharp mind. Developing wise counsel for Queen Nala is both challenging and rewarding for the young girl.
Through geometry and architecture, Isoke helps develop complex systems seen in other parts of the world; bringing them to her village. In this tale of survival, mathematics proves to be an efficient tool. From Yan Li, clever farm girl in modern China, we see swift mathematical equations cut down oppressive regimes in empowering protest. In the midst of looming famine, Yan Li faces serious consequences. She awaits her sentence from the Director, with secrets of his own. Meanwhile, we meet Shawnee, a resourceful student. She welcomes esteemed guests into her home who are curious about her work. As a young entrepreneur, she begins to educate and empower others through profitable programs. Fueled by determination, Shawnee quickly displays promise in becoming a leader while marketing math.
With an equally engaging second installment, “Ruby Pi and the Math Girls” takes readers on another thrilling ride. When unexpected news reaches the door of Ruby’s family, the mysterious death of a world-renowned mathematician Anaan Warinda, Ruby embarks on a personal and professional vendetta for answers. Special Inspector Daniel Summerscale invites Ruby to assist him on his journey to find justice. In the bindings of Anaan Warinda’s notebooks, new developments arise with further questions. A grim light into new weapons of warfare and Anaan’s former discoveries. Readers are introduced to the scene of a lone lieutenant in the middle of battle. Braced with stealth and speed, relic strategies are no match for modern weapons. With war on the horizon, Ruby uncovers more secrets about an old friend. Armed with cunning mathematics and the help of new friends, Ruby exposes hidden pieces in a dangerous game.
“One day, Rupa, too would have to choose sides.”
As for the math girls, we see chicanery take center stage. When a simple card game becomes a profitable business, mathematics becomes a trick of the trade. A curvature develops into a life altering decision, as Casey and her family face a new future. When mathematics reaches the desk of the queen, readers are sure to tune in as economic systems stand on precarious ground. Subsequently, calculating kiln volume becomes the way of the future and a way to heal. In Moscow, coding brings poignant strategy and develops into a terrifying means to an end. With cunning delight, this engaging and action-packed narrative leaves readers with introspect and scrutiny into what it means to be a mathematician.
This series invites the prospect of a new age in learning. It evokes reflection of the notion that math is more than just letters and numbers; it is a complex system of crafty calculations that can produce notable results. Author Tom Durwood captures historical relevance with a hint of modern fallacy. These intriguing stories will spark discussion both in the classroom and the living room. With thoughtful insight, readers will be transported into scenes of another time riddled with rousing puzzles and exhilarating escapades. Young readers will enjoy keen banter and quick action through these ambitious quests. With descriptive and captivating storytelling, the adventures of Ruby Pi will leave readers wanting more.
*****
“Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls” by Tom Durwood receives 5 stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
"Ruby Pi and the Math Girls"
Book Blurb:
A collection of five historical fiction adventure stories, the second installment in the "Rubi Pi Adventure Series" to follow The Adventures of Rubi Pi and the Geometry Girls. Young heroines find themselves at turning points in history. Faced with colossal problems, they use math to find real-world solutions. How will their quick thinking and problem-solving direct the course of history?
A master of young adult historical fiction, adventure, and mystery writing, Tom Durwood gives a fresh look at some of history's pivotal moments-from a mathematical perspective! STEM meets literary finesse with his usual flair for intrigue, suspense, and immersive dialogue. In his latest collection of short stories, smart girls take on gambling, bandits, swordplay, probability, and Bayes' Theorem!
In this outstanding collection, Tom addresses the chronic problem of our young women dropping out of STEM studies. His stories lend adventure to scientific thinking. (Tanzeela Siddique, Math Instructor)
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/rubypi
“Ruby Pi and the Math Girls” by Tom Durwood receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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