Math Books for Kids

These math books are recommended for parents to use at home as well as for classroom use by teachers. All make good read-alouds and children like re-reading independently while enjoying the illustrations. Many can be used in the classroom to introduce concepts or units.

The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns Ages 5–9 Geometry Colorful introduction of geometric shapes to K–3rd grade students. A Cloak for the Dreamer by Aileen Friedman Ages 5–9 Geometry Introduction to the relationship between geometric shapes for Kinder–4th grade students. Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander Ages 7–12 Geometry Introduces 2nd–5th grade students to radius and circumference. One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes Ages 4–9 Factoring A rhyming introduction to factoring for Kinder–4th grade students. A Remainder of One by Elinor J. Pinczes Ages 4–9 Division A rhyming introduction to division with remainders for Kinder–4th grade students. Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! by Marilyn Burns Ages 6–10 Area & Perimeter Clever introduction to area and perimeter concepts to 2nd–4th grade students. The $1.00 Word Riddle Book by Marilyn Burns Ages 8–12 Number Riddles give clues for finding words worth $1.00 using a simple code: a=1¢, b=2¢, etc. Math Curse by Jon Scieszka Ages 7–up The narrator is with a “math curse” and her entire day becomes a series of math problems. Hilarious text and striking illustrations by Lane Smith.

Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dream by Cindy Neuschwander Ages 5–9 Multiplication Fun introduction to multiplication for 1st–3rd grade students. The King’s Commissioners by Alison Friedman Ages 7–12 Multiplication Colorful presentation of the connection between counting and multiplication for 2nd–5th grade students. One Grain of Rice by Demi Ages 5–10 Number The power of doubling for 1st–4th grade students. The King’s Chessboard by David Birch Ages 6–13 Number The power of doubling for 2nd–6th grade students. How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz Ages 6–12 Number Graphics help 1st–5th grade students conceptualize the immensity of numbers. If You Made a Million by David M. Schwartz Ages 6–12 Nimber This funny and accessible book 2nd–5th grade students explores money, saving, spending, interest, mortgages, etc. Counting on Frank by Rod Clement Ages 5–10 Measurement Amusing size and measurement examples for 1st–4th grade students.