By Vera Sarina
The Living Tree of Mathematics: Mathematics of Middle School Curriculum through the Lens of History situates the lessons of middle school mathematics into the history of mathematics. Sarina takes the deep content knowledge that middle school teachers and students struggle with and places it at its roots and origins in history. This shows the different representations and methods in cultures through the ages and around the world. The rich material for culturally responsive pedagogy is provided by relevant historical vignettes and alternative mathematical approaches. 

Preservice teachers and classroom teachers will find how the following

became branches of the beautiful tree of mathematics.
The Living Tree helps develop an equity-based advocacy disposition by—

• addressing various cultures and how they think about and do mathematics;
• presenting different ways cultures affect mathematics teaching and learning; and
• incorporating students’ cultures into your teaching to engage your classroom with rigorous mathematics.

The tree of mathematics has become the great metaphor for the process of mastering mathematics. To get to your destination somewhere in the crown of the tree, you begin at the roots and follow the branches that lead to your desired twig. You cannot jump from branch to branch like a squirrel. If you hop over parts of the tree, how can you be sure that you will land on the right twig? And would you feel safe sitting on this twig if you were not certain that its connections to the tree were robust and sturdy? Let The Living Tree be the connection you need.