Learning Math Is Fun: A Selection of Books for Back to School
21 July 2023 / by Crystal Brown
Math is often seen as a challenging, sometimes intimidating, subject. However, it doesn’t always have to be this way. The key lies in making math fun and relatable, turning it into an exciting journey rather than a daunting task. To achieve this, a great method is to incorporate enjoyable learning materials into your curriculum, such as entertaining math books.
As back-to-school season is here, we’ve curated a list of excellent math books that make learning enjoyable and can help students at all levels get ahead. Each book on this list aims to teach mathematical concepts through intriguing stories, thought-provoking puzzles, and real-world applications, all while ensuring the readers have fun.
1. The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure by Hans Magnus Enzensberger
In this award-winning book, Enzensberger takes readers on a magical journey into the world of numbers. It’s an engaging and imaginative story that uses a dream-like narrative to introduce a wide range of mathematical concepts. With its blend of mathematical exploration and inventive storytelling, The Number Devil ensures that the learning process is enjoyable.
2. Sir Cumference Series by Cindy Neuschwander
A clever blend of geometry and adventure, the Sir Cumference Series introduces kids to essential concepts like pi, the diameter of a circle, and more, in a fun and engaging way. Each book follows the medieval adventures of Sir Cumference and his friends, making it an excellent choice for young learners who love stories.
3. Murderous Maths Series by Kjartan Poskitt
What can make maths more thrilling than coupling it with a bit of mystery? The Murderous Maths Series does precisely that. Full of humor, wit, and suspense, the series simplifies complex mathematical concepts into easy-to-grasp and fun-to-learn stories. For older kids who enjoy a bit of a thrill, this series is a must-read.
4. The Math Book: From Pythagoras to the 57th Dimension, 250 Milestones in the History of Mathematics by Clifford A. Pickover
If your interest in math extends to its historical development, The Math Book is a perfect choice. It takes the reader on a fascinating journey through 250 significant milestones in the history of mathematics. Every page presents a new concept or achievement, complete with easy-to-understand explanations and a dash of intrigue.
5. Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician’s Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks by Arthur Benjamin and Michael Shermer
Do you want to become a whiz at mental math? This book will show you how. Full of innovative techniques and entertaining tricks, Secrets of Mental Math offers a refreshing perspective on how to approach and enjoy numbers. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to explore the potential of their own mental math abilities.
These are just a few examples of the vast selection of fun math books available out there. Incorporating them into your back-to-school preparations can make a significant difference in how students perceive and engage with math. Instead of viewing it as a dry, intimidating subject, they will start seeing it as an exciting field full of fascinating patterns, practical applications, and boundless creativity.
Let’s change the narrative and show the world that learning math can indeed be fun. What are some of your favorite fun math books? Share your recommendations in the comments below.
