Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, & Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You by Jennifer Szymanski a Nat Geo Kids Books STEM book [Review & Giveaway]

The fun and games and parties of the holiday are over. Winter has really settled in meaning more inside time. All that means it is time to break out the things that will entertain the kids, grow their minds, and occupy them during those dreary winter days.

Code This!: Puzzles, Games, Challenges, and Computer Coding Concepts for the Problem Solver in You will provide that STEM fun and learning that you love for your kids to have.

ISBN: 9781426334436
Ages 8-12 | Paperback $16.99
National Geographic Kids Publihing

My thoughts:  Computer programming or coding is a complex science and/or language (or languages) that take highly skilled people to write. It is also the basis for everything technological that we use, enjoy, and rely upon on a daily basis. So a book for kids ages 8 to 12 titled "Code This!" certainly compels. But does it actually enable kids to write computer code?

No. Simply no.

It does, however, engage the readers in concepts that enable understanding the complexity of writing code and the necessity for order of execution. Activities are included where the young reader writes down the step-by-step, turn-by-turn movements or actions that are involved in executing an activity. It is likened to following the recipe or instructions for cooking. Only with coding you actually are instructing when to pick up the spoon, insert the spoon into the ingredient, lift the spoon, etc. The details of coding are minute in order to execute rightfully.

Or simply stated, the use of sequencing logic is paramount to coding.

The games in "Code This!" include writing code such as word ciphers. Sure this isn't computer coding, but it is a puzzle and the mental exercise prepares for more advanced coding.

All-in-all the book can be a lot of fun and can certainly enable the readers to think in a highly detailed method to execute the variety of activities.

Back material is provided which is interesting. Also, pictures of three types of computer languages used in coding are shown. And, of course, the answers are tucked away in the back of the book.

A fun, educational book.

About the book: 

“The writing is crisp and clear throughout…..Appealingly, this positive, highly accessible coding guide needs no computers.” - Kirkus 

"Concepts such as algorithms, optimization, constraints, cryptology, and binary code are introduced with fun and workable hands-on activities...A strength of this title is its clarity. The conversational tone is perfect for the intended age range.  -  School Library Journal

Programming concepts come to life in this kid-friendly intro to the basics of computer science and coding, with puzzles, games, and quirky characters.  As part of the Coder Crew and with the help of Cody the Robot, readers are “on a mission” to write algorithms to find hidden treasures, decode ciphers to read secret messages, create loops to program an expedition, and dive into concepts like constraints, debugging and binary code.

GIVEAWAY

Begins December 28

Ends January 15 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.