Pocket Brain Teasers: 130 Classic Logic Puzzles and Conundrums

Christy Conte is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

This pocketbook is described by the author as “a first pass approach
to the methods of solving problems.” It is not a compilation of
mathematical brain teasers, nor is it fodder for the serious student of
logic. Instead, Robert Larin’s 121 riddles are intended to kindle in
young minds a creative, intuitive response to problem-solving. Included
in this collection are word games (“Which word in the English language
becomes shorter when you lengthen it?”), math puzzles (“Divide 30 by
1/2 and add ten. What do you get?”), as well as assorted jokes and
“red herring” questions designed to encourage careful reading. In a
brief section at the end, educators are warned against the futility of
teaching math by rote.

This book’s only weakness is its repetition in the types of questions
asked: too many puzzles, for example, use the “burying survivors”
theme. For this reason, teens may find little challenge in working
through the book. For the price, though, this is a fun introduction to
the pleasures of problem solving for preteens. Recommended with
reservations.