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Danica McKellar is our guest blogger during the week of July 6th. If you have any questions for Danica McKellar, add a comment to any of her posts.

Here is more information about Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss: 

Read an excerpt.

The New York Times bestseller-from the author of Math Doesn't Suck-teaches girls how to kick pre-algebra butt

In her New York Times bestselling books, actress and math genius Danica McKellar shatters the "math nerd" stereotype and gives girls the tools to ace middle-school math in her unique, just-us-girls style. Now, in her second book, Kiss My Math, McKellar empowers a new crop of girls-seventh to ninth graders-to tackle the next level of mathematics: pre-algebra.

Stepping up not only the math but the sass and style, McKellar helps math-phobic teenagers chill out and finally "get" negative numbers, variables, absolute values, exponents, and more. As she did so effectively in Math Doesn't Suck, McKellar uses personality quizzes, reader polls, real-life testimonials, and stories from her own life-in addition to clear instruction, helpful tips, and practice problems-revealing why pre-algebra is easier, more relevant, and more glamorous than girls think. McKellar is clearly reaching her audience: parents, teachers, and especially girls are asking for more. 

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Since this blog is turning into a Paris primer, I'll tell you some cool things that Paris has added since the last time I was here -- and that we don't have in the States.

1) Paris's City Hall runs what it calls the "Vélib'" rental program - anyone has access to thousands of three-speed, unisex bikes at hundreds of stations around the city. You stick your credit card into a slot, pay €1 for a 30 minute ride, and go. (If your trip goes longer, you pay a little more.) Anyone can pick up a bike at any Vélib' station and return it at any other one.

We in America are so turned-off by the government, but this kind of thing is so cool; I can't see any downside. It gets people moving around the city faster, and exercising; it eases traffic; it's cheaper (and more fun) than the subway; and its good for the environment. I wonder if any US cities will start doing this?

2) Paris Plages. (Paris beaches.)

All around the city, man-made sandy beaches are set up, each with a pool, with deckchairs, ice cream stands, with concerts. Because they're a book friendly country, you can also borrow books free of charge, play beach volleyball, etc. The bummer is that it doesn't start until July 20. (This was here the last time I visited, but its on;y been around for about five years, so I thought it was worth mentioning.)