The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a Shape by Amy Alznauer, Anna Bron
Published by Candlewick Press on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 1536229474
Genres: Arts, Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

This is the remarkable story of Marjorie Rice, an amateur mathematician who solved a complex pentagon math problem from the desk of her ordinary life. Rice was endlessly interested in shapes and patterns in nature as a little girl and wanted to study them further–but was discouraged and instead became a secretary and a mother to five children. After reading an article in a magazine, she realized that mathematicians were trying to find the other five-sided shapes that fit together perfectly. She spent her days scribbling on notes in her kitchen, or drawing while stirring dinner, and discovered THE undiscovered shape. She sent her papers to the geometry scientists and they confirmed, yes!, she had found a tessellating shape no one had ever seen before. Rice spent the rest of her life writing letters back and forth to professors as she discovered more complex pentagon shape patterns. Now she is widely recognized as being the person to have solved the ancient mystery of pentagon puzzles.

This book is a feast for the eyes. The graphics of Anna Bron and Amy Alznauer’s words work together so harmoniously that this particularly long picture book goes by in a flash. The back matter includes a rich author’s note and more information about geometry and drawing and discovering shapes that is really inspiring. For ages 7+.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath