How Much is a Million?

How Much is a Million?
by David M. Schwartz
Pictures by Steven Kellogg

Published: 1985 Publisher: Harper Collins
Hardback: 40 pages ISBN: 0-688-09933-5

Genre: Children's book
Recommended for children 2+ and grades K-2.

Plot Summary:
In this simple, beautifully illustrated picture book, the author attempts to explain in simple, meaningful ways how much a million, a billion, and a trillion are. Marvelosissimo the Magician knocks down complex numbers in a fun, easy-to-understand way. This book helps children (and adults) conceptualize the difficult math concept of huge numbers.

Quantitative Reading Level:
Lexile: AD760L

Qualitative Reading Level:
According to the SCASS Informational Text Complexity and Qualitative Measures Rubric, this text can be categorized as Slightly Complex. As far as text structure and organization, the text is very clear. The illustrations directly support the text and assist to interpret the meaning of the numbers. Its language features are explicit and easy to understand. All vocabulary is familiar and conversational. The sentence structure is primarily simple. The purpose is clear and consistent throughout the story. There are not many knowledge demands and the text explains complex math numbers in simple ways. The book relies on practical knowledge and simple, concrete ideas. 

Content Area:
English
Math (Counting, Complex numbers) 

Content Area Standards for Math:
Common Core State Standards
CCSS Grade 3 Reading Standard for Key Ideas and Details: Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

CA Math Standards
CA Math Standard Grade 4 Number Sense:
1.1 Read and write whole numbers in the millions.

Curriculum Suggestions:
1. Counting study
2. Conceptualizing numbers study

Links:
Author's Website

Video Version of the Text

PBS Number Games