The Math Kids are at it again! When their new friend, Special Agent Carlson, asks them to take a look at a cryptic poem written by a dying bank robber, they know they will need all of their math skills to crack the case. The poem isn't their only problem, though. Their favourite school janitor is fired for stealing from student lockers. The Math Kids know Old Mike would never do anything like that, but how can they prove it, especially with the new janitor watching their every move? Jordan, Stephanie, Justin, and Catherine will need math, bravery, and a little bit of luck if they hope to solve the bank robbery case and get Old Mike his job back. Will they be able to figure out the unusual pattern in time? "The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern" by David Cole (who is a math teacher as well as a writer) is very highly recommended for family, school, and community library general fiction collections for children ages 8-11.

– The General Fiction Shelf, Midwest Book Review

Highly RecommendedDavid Cole has written another excellent novel to encourage children to see the value of mathematics in everyday life and help them find the fun and reward of problem-solving. He includes the poem that the first bank robber gave the FBI so that each reader or group of readers can try to find the clues. Of course, the solution is supplied. The Math Club also works on codes, and, through this, readers can learn how to develop their own codes. Other science and general interest questions are included, helping students see that math is found in almost every facet of our lives. Cole shows his love for math and teaching children about mathematics in The Math Kids: An Unusual Pattern, an exciting novel that is not only useful in the classroom but will also allow students and their parents to work together during family reading time.

– CM: Canadian Review of Materials