Books for Mastering Mental Math are the topic of our blog post!
Math often gets a bad rap for being ‘boring’ or ‘difficult,’ but the right books can turn that perception on its head. So, I took some time to dive into a few math-centric books that have caught my eye lately, each with its unique approach to demystifying numbers and equations.
Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or helping with homework at the kitchen table, these books offer creative and effective ways to make math click for kids. Read on to find out which one could be a game-changer in your educational journey.
Related: Best Math Puzzle Books
Books for Mastering Mental Math
Here are our top picks for books for mastering mental math
1. I Can Be a Math Magician: Fun STEM Activities for Kids, by Anna Claybourne
Anna Claybourne’s “I Can Be a Math Magician” is a colorful gem in the world of children’s STEM books. Targeted at kids aged 8 to 12, the book turns math into an engaging and fun adventure, complete with games, puzzles, and a plethora of activities. The book isn’t just about addition or multiplication; it spans a wide range of topics, like fractals, ratios, and even secret codes.
Think of it as a playground for young minds where mathematical principles are laid out in a way that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. With solutions and a glossary at the end, it’s a fantastic resource for STEM education—be it in a traditional classroom or for homeschooling.
2. Secrets of Mental Math, by Arthur Benjamin and Michael Shermer
Arthur Benjamin’s “Secrets of Mental Math” has long been a cornerstone for anyone looking to get serious about improving their mental arithmetic game. Benjamin, who is renowned for his ability to perform complex calculations in his head, shares techniques that are not just theoretical but highly practical.
Forget about laboriously jotting down equations; this book will arm you with shortcuts and hacks to perform math calculations more swiftly than you ever thought possible. From multiplying large numbers to finding square roots, Benjamin’s strategies are a gold mine for students, teachers, and anyone who dreads the thought of number-crunching.
3. The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: The Math Magician, by Klever Kiddoz
“The Inspiring Stories of Devin & Rose: The Math Magician” by Klever Kiddoz takes a narrative approach to inspire a love for math in young readers. Centering on Devin, a kid struggling with math anxiety, the book unfolds as his dad helps him discover the fascinating world of numbers.
It’s not just a storybook; it’s an emotional journey that mirrors the very real challenges many kids (and adults, for that matter) face with math.
The narrative works as a vehicle to introduce math tricks and concepts, effectively turning math from a feared subject into an exciting adventure. I particularly love how the book aims to boost math confidence and leverages the power of storytelling to make learning more impactful.
4. I Can Be a Maths Magician by Anna Claybourne, by Anna Claybourne
This book is a hands-on delight for kids aged 7+ who find traditional math lessons a tad bit boring. “I Can Be a Maths Magician” transforms the subject into an exciting, interactive adventure. Through activities like crafting number squares, utilizing shadows to gauge a tree’s height, and even solving mathematical puzzles, this book proves that math isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the world around you.
It nudges kids toward S.T.E.M (science, technology, engineering, and math) without making it feel like a classroom session. It’s like a mini-STEM fair packed into a book, and honestly, I wish this kind of material was around when I was teaching.
5. Mammoth Math, by David Macaulay
“Mammoth Math” is a brilliantly off-beat guide that proves math is ubiquitous—it’s in the video games we play, the bridges we cross, and the malls we shop at. Aimed at kids aged 8 and above, the book features a herd of intellectual mammoths who navigate you through numbers, geometry, and calculations in the most entertaining way possible.
David Macaulay, who is renowned for his ability to simplify complex ideas, brings in a touch of whimsy and humor that makes learning math an enjoyable process. It’s one of those books that makes you go, “Ah, so that’s why math is important!” Macaulay takes a non-traditional yet super effective route to introduce kids to the subject, which aligns well with current educational philosophies that emphasize conceptual understanding.
6. Math Riddles For Smart Kids, by M Prefontaine
This is a mental workout aimed at kids aged 10 and above. “Math Riddles For Smart Kids” offers 150 brain teasers that test not just your math skills, but also your lateral thinking and logic. It’s divided into three sections, with the riddles getting more challenging as you move along.
And don’t worry, the answers are at the back in case you hit a wall. If you’re looking to add a layer of fun and complexity to your kid’s math journey, this is the book to go for. It’s like having a gym membership, but for your brain.
7. Do the Math! by Steven Clontz and Jessica Clontz
For the 8-12 age group, “Do the Math!” is a toolkit for building strong foundational math skills. It offers a plethora of interactive puzzles and games that cover everything from basic operations to advanced logical thinking.
Sudoku, cryptograms, patterns—you name it, this book has it. Each chapter zooms in on a particular type of puzzle, starting with simpler ones and gradually moving to more complex challenges.
This ensures that kids not only hone their math skills but also gain confidence as they go along. If you’re looking for a resource that supplements classroom learning and also keeps your kids engaged, this could be it.
Concluding thoughts
Each of these math-focused books brings something special to the table—be it interactive puzzles, whimsical illustrations, or brain-teasing riddles. Remember, the key to successful learning, especially in a subject like math, is engagement. If the kids are interested, the learning almost takes care of itself. Having taught for 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how the right resources can make a world of difference. These books are not just tools for teaching but catalysts for curiosity and creativity.