Norton Juster (1929–2021)

Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth is a adventure book that blends fantasy with intellectual challenges, including mathematical puzzles and concepts. The story follows a young boy named Milo, who travels to a magical land filled with strange creatures and peculiar places, where he encounters problems that can only be solved through logic and math. From measuring distances in a land where time is lost to solving puzzles that require understanding numbers and shapes, this book offers numerous opportunities to explore mathematical thinking in a fun and engaging way. Juster’s use of wordplay and puns makes the book enjoyable for readers of all ages.

The Phantom Tollbooth can be used in classrooms to introduce students to concepts such as measurement, logic, and basic geometric principles. Math TEKS such as 5.4 and 7.10, which focus on measurement and solving real-world math problems, can be connected to the puzzles and situations Milo encounters. This book encourages students to think critically and approach problems from different perspectives, making it an excellent tool for promoting critical thinking and mathematical reasoning in a creative, memorable way.… (more)

Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth follows Milo, a bored boy who journeys through a whimsical world filled with wordplay, mathematical puzzles, and silly characters, such as Tock the Watchdog and the Humbug. Set in lands like Dictionopolis and Digitopolis, the story encourages readers to embrace curiosity and value learning. This book is ideal for upper elementary and middle school students, offering opportunities to explore language arts and math concepts. By deftly integrating academic themes into an entertaining narrative, the book helps teachers engage students with abstract ideas while encouraging deeper discussions about critical thinking and problem-solving.… (more)