Title: Senefer - A Young Genius in Old Egypt
Author:Beatrice Lumpkin
Illustrator: Linda Nickens
Publisher: Africa World Press
Where to Find It:
Read Online: Senefer - A Young Genius in Old Egypt on Archive.Org
Best For:
6 - 10 years
The Tale in a Nutshell
A book introducing life in Ancient Egypt during the time of Queen Hatshepsut and how advanced they were as a civilization.
Math Concepts in the book
Number system, Pythogaras theorem applied.
Why This Book Shines
Imagine discovering geometry not from a textbook, but while building a pyramid in the hot Egyptian sun! Senefer – A Young Genius in Old Egypt takes us right into that magical world, where ancient wisdom, numbers, and architecture come alive through the story of a young boy with a brilliant mind.
🏺 A journey to Ancient Egypt – through a child’s eyes
Beatrice Lumpkin, a math educator and activist, brings her deep love for mathematics and history into this delightful tale. Senefer is not your average boy—he’s curious, thoughtful, and has a knack for solving problems. Through his eyes, we explore how mathematics was used in daily life in ancient Egypt—from measuring fields after the Nile’s floods to planning the layout of grand temples.
This isn’t just a story—it’s a history lesson in disguise, told with warmth and charm.
Real-world math, ancient style: Children learn how math was useful—not abstract or boring. Senefer's cleverness feels grounded in his environment.
Cultural richness: The book quietly weaves in Egyptian customs, clothing, language, and even the role of scribes and laborers.
Visual appeal: The illustrations (especially in the reprint editions) are simple yet evocative—ideal for middle-grade readers.
What I love most is that Lumpkin doesn't just give us a character to admire—she gives us a role model who uses his mind, respect for tradition, and kindness to find his place in the world.
In a time when ancient civilizations feel so distant, Senefer brings them close to our hearts and reminds us that brilliance has no age—and certainly no expiration date.
Artful Notes
The illustration is culturally resonant. It is transporting to the time and place, and depects both the simple life and a patriarchal society. The judemental eyes of the community as she rode a horse or was in the debate courtyard, is telling of how the society viewed her.
Lines from the book
Dee: I love books that tell me a lot about plkaces in different times, and cultures, in a way where you can almost visualise it. This is a great book!
From my reading nook to yours,
Dee
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