As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a solid foundation in math. It’s more than just numbers and equations; it’s a universal language that unlocks a world of critical thinking, problem-solving, and even creativity. That’s why children’s math books are an absolute must-have in your home library.
To celebrate World Book Day I share with you my top picks for children’s math books that are not only educational but also engaging and entertaining. These books are designed to spark a love of math in your little ones, making learning feel like a fun adventur
e rather than a chore.
The power of a child’s brain is immeasurable. Akin to a sponge, it readily absorbs information from the environment, constantly learning, adapting, and creating neural networks. Every child, given the right opportunity, nurturing environment, and stimulation, has the potential to become the main character in their own extraordinary intellectual feats, reminiscent of geniuses like the mathematical magician, Albert Einstein.
1. All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall - Reading age 8-12
All of the Above is an exciting story about four kids who live in a poor neighborhood and attend Washington Middle School. Meet Rhondell, Sharice, Marcel, and James Harrris III – a unique group with different personalities and aspirations. James, however, despises school, especially math class. When their math teacher, Mr. Collins, feels unappreciated by his students, he comes up with a brilliant idea to engage them – building the world’s largest tetrahedron. Rhondell and Sharice, two bright and ambitious girls, join the project. Meanwhile, Marcel, the funny guy who works at his dad’s barbecue joint, also jumps on board. Unfortunately, James, who has detention, is forced to stay behind on the first day.
2. Numbers in Motion: Sophie Kowalevski, Queen of Mathematics by Laurie Wallmark - Reading age 8-12
In Numbers in Motion, you will discover the incredible life of Sophie Kowalevski, the trailblazing mathematician who defied expectations and became a true pioneer. In this captivating biography, readers are transported to a world where women were underestimated and counted out. Against all odds, Sophie Kowalevski rose above societal limitations and shattered the glass ceiling in the field of mathematics.
3. Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars by Laurie Wallmark - Reading age: 6 +
Code Breaker, Spy Hunter by Laurie Wallmark is a picture book biography that young readers will not be able to put down. It tells the fascinating story of Elizebeth Friedman, a little-known code breaker who made a huge impact in the early days of US cryptology. From taking down notorious gangsters to breaking Nazi spy codes, this remarkable woman’s work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. What sets this biography apart is the inclusion of engaging back matter that explains codes and ciphers, provides further information on cryptology, a bibliography, a timeline of Elizebeth’s life, and even secret messages for young readers to decode.
4. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Ber - Reading age: 3-8
In the bustling literary world, children’s picture books often craft the tales of imagination, wonder, and the power of discovery. “On a Beam of Light” by Jennifer Berne, sweetly accompanied by Vladimir Radunsky’s artwork, sidesteps the average storybook and dives deep into the past of one of the world’s most renowned geniuses, Albert Einstein, to reveal that every journey of discovery has humble beginnings. The narrative teaches young minds and reminds adults that it is not just knowledge but questions and uninhibited curiosity that drive real understanding.
5. Molly and t he Mathematical Mystery by Eugenia Cheng - Reading age: 6 – 8
In a world where numbers breathe, dance, and hide in plain sight, Cheng’s book, Molly and the Mathematical Mystery takes young adult readers on a joyous journey through the puzzles of prime numbers, the labyrinths of logic, and the interconnected threads of shapes. But it isn’t just a simple math lesson in the disguise of a story; it’s a gripping narrative that highlights the beauty and allure of mathematics.
6. Count on Me by Miguel Tanco - Reading age: 3 – 7
In a literary world where numbers are often the villains of the imaginative, Miguel Tanco’s “Count on Me” turns the tables, transforming math into a hero. The story follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey to discover her passion and finds an unexpected ally in the world of numbers. From start to finish, Tanco weaves a heartwarming narrative that celebrates the beauty of math and the individual pursuit of excellence.
7. The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca - Reading age: 5 to 10
A treasure house for stories about remarkable individuals, Julie Mosca’s “The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague” stands out in its engaging portrayal of an unsung hero of STEM. This tale of perseverance not only educates but empowers young minds, bridging the gap in historical representation of pioneering women for the modern age. With captivating storytelling and delightful illustrations, it brings to life the journey of a determined woman who overcame societal barriers to revolutionize ship engineering.
8. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly - Reading age: 9 – 12
In a world where role models can shape our future, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race is a powerful beacon of inspiration. Margot Lee Shetterly’s captivating nonfiction masterpiece sheds light on the incredible achievements of African-American female mathematicians who transformed American space travel.
9. Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins - Reading age: 3 – 7
“Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money” by Emily Jenkins invites young readers on a heartwarming adventure tackling the trials and joys of entrepreneurship. Set on a chilly day, the tale recounts the delightful efforts of Pauline and John John, whose optimism shines through as they set up a lemonade stand in the midst of winter, fueled by a clever understanding of supply, demand, and counting money.
10. The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdős by Deborah Heiligman - Reading age: 4-8
There’s something unequivocally charming about the way Deborah Heiligman introduces young readers—and those young at heart—to the compelling story of one of history’s most prolific mathematicians in The Boy Who Loved Math. It is no small feat to transform the biographical account of Paul Erdős, a mathematician, into an accessible and engaging children’s book. Yet, with Heiligman’s nimble craftsmanship and LeUyen Pham’s vibrant illustrations, the audience is drawn into a world where numbers dance and life is a series of fascinating equations.
11. A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman - Reading age: 3 - 7
The cosmos and our own planet Earth are realms of infinite wonder and complexity, something that Seth Fishman captures with delightful clarity in “A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars.” The book is a compelling synthesis of facts, figures, and illustrations that invites readers to ponder the incomprehensibility of the numbers defining our universe.
12. Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain by Cheryl Bardoe - Reading age: 4 - 8
Cheryl Bardoe’s biography, “Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain,” is an inspiring narrative that takes readers through the highs and lows of a pioneering woman in mathematics. This beautifully illustrated book not only tells the story of an intellectual heroine but also serves as a potent emblem of tenacity and resilience in the face of adversity.
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