“Starring Lorenzo and Einstein too” by Mark Karlins

I chose to read this book because the title gave me the impression that math would be involved. I am a math specialization so I am always interested in reading books that incorporate math and famous mathematicians with literature. It is important to incorporate a variety of sign systems when teaching, and by combining literature with math that can be accomplished. This book is about a boy names Lorenzo who loves to do math. All the other members of his family are performers in the theatre and don’t understand why Lorenzo isn’t good at performing, too. Lorenzo begins to feel isolated and that he doesn’t fit in when Einstein discovers him at one of his family’s shows. Lorenzo and Einstein become friends and talk about math and travel through space together. In the end Lorenzo misses his family so they return to Earth where he and his family realize that he really does fit in and that not all of the Fortunatos have to be performers. I liked this book because it brought in themes about parent expectations and being true to yourself. Many children may face challenges at home based on the expectations that their parents hold of them. I believe that it’s important to teach students individuality and that it’s ok to be different. This book incorporates these themes with math and literature, a great book for multiple sign systems!