Math Books That Inspire: My Current Reads and Future Picks
As a passionate math educator, I find inspiration not only in the classroom but also within the pages of thought-provoking books. Whether it’s deepening my understanding of complex concepts or discovering new teaching strategies, math books have a special way of expanding both my knowledge and approach. In this post, I’m excited to share with you the math books currently on my nightstand, as well as a few that are next on my reading list. From insightful explorations of mathematical theory to practical guides for classroom instruction, these reads offer something for every math enthusiast or educator looking to spark fresh ideas.
Recently Read Books…..
Ben Orlin is a keynote speaker at the Association for Math Teachers of New York State Annual Conference coming up on Veteran’s Day weekend. I am looking forward to hearing him speak and meeting him! I have previously read, and LOVE, his first two books Math with Bad Drawings and Math Games with Bad Drawings.
Ben Orlin’s Math with Bad Drawings is like hanging out with a funny friend who just happens to explain math in the most relatable way possible. With doodles that are endearingly imperfect, he breaks down everything from calculus to game theory in a way that actually makes sense—and makes you laugh. Orlin’s style is disarmingly honest; he admits when math is tricky, but he also shows you that embracing the messiness is where the magic happens. This book isn’t about perfect answers—it’s about enjoying the journey, mistakes and all. Whether you’re a math teacher or just someone who had nightmares about algebra, Math with Bad Drawings makes math feel refreshingly human.
In Math Games with Bad Drawings, Ben Orlin takes the fun of math to a whole new level by turning it into a playful adventure. With his trademark doodles and witty commentary, he explores the math behind classic games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect Four, while also introducing new games you’ll want to try with your students (or your friends). Orlin’s approach makes you realize that games are not just fun—they’re little puzzles that unlock some seriously cool mathematical ideas. This book is a perfect combo of strategy, humor, and those “aha!” moments that make learning feel like play. Whether you’re a math teacher looking for classroom inspiration or just a fan of good games, Math Games with Bad Drawings is a winner.
In Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics, Jo Boaler reimagines math as a vibrant, dynamic space full of creativity and diverse perspectives. Boaler challenges the traditional, rigid views of math, encouraging educators and students alike to see it as a tool for exploration and problem-solving. Through stories, research, and practical strategies, she makes the case that math is not just about numbers and formulas, but about thinking, communicating, and finding meaning in the world around us. This book inspires readers to embrace a broader, more inclusive vision of math, where mistakes are opportunities and every student can thrive. If you’re looking to breathe new life into how math is taught and learned, Math-ish is the guide you’ve been waiting for.
Currently Reading…..
The first few chapters of Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning get right to the heart of something we’ve all struggled with—moving beyond memorization. The authors break down fluency in a way that makes sense, showing it’s not just about spitting out facts but about understanding, strategy, and flexibility. They dive into how fluency is more like a toolbox for problem-solving than a race for the fastest answer, which is a refreshing change. It’s full of practical tips that can make math feel more meaningful for both teachers and students. If you’re ready to rethink what fluency really means, this book is already giving me plenty to think about.
In the first section of Math for English Majors, Ben Orlin kicks off with a fun and quirky take on numbers as the “nouns” of math, giving them a role in mathematical storytelling. His playful analogies make numbers feel like characters in a plot, showing how they interact and change meaning depending on context. It’s the kind of clever, language-focused explanation that makes math more accessible for those of us who prefer words to equations. Orlin blends humor and insight in a way that makes you rethink how you see numbers—less as abstract symbols and more like essential building blocks of the math “narrative.” It’s a smart, engaging way to start a math journey for any word lover.
On My TBR List, with descriptions from Goodreads and NCTM…..
An exploration of the intersection between calculus and daily life, complete with Orlin’s humor and bad drawings. By spinning 28 mathematical tales, Orlin shows us that calculus is simply another language to express the very things we humans grapple with every day — love, risk, time, and most importantly, change. Divided into two parts, “Moments” and “Eternities,” and drawing on everyone from Sherlock Holmes to Mark Twain to David Foster Wallace, Change is the Only Constant unearths connections between calculus, art, literature, and a beloved dog named Elvis. This is not just math for math’s sake; it’s math for the sake of becoming a wiser and more thoughtful human.
Practical and proven math tasks to maximize student thinking and learning. Building upon the blockbuster success of Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Peter Liljedahl has joined forces with co-author Maegan Giroux to bring the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework to life in this new book, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5.
But this book is so much more than simply a collection of good thinking tasks. It delves deeper into the implementation of the 14 practices from the BTC framework by updating the practices with the newest research, and focusing on the practice through the lens of rich math tasks that address specific mathematical learning outcomes or standards.
Across the 20 non-curricular tasks and 30 curricular tasks used as models, this helps you:
- Choose tasks to fit your particular math standards, goals, and the competencies you want your students to build
- Walks you through all the steps and scripts to launch, facilitate, and consolidate each task
- Shares examples of possible student solutions along with hints you might offer to help their thinking along
- Offers tasks for consolidation, example notes to my future forgetful self, and mild, medium, and spicy check-your-understanding questions (CYUs) for every thin sliced sequences of curricular tasks
- Imparts reflections from the authors on each task
The book closes with specific guidance on how to find more tasks or craft your own non-curricular and curricular tasks, along with answers to educators’ frequently asked questions. It includes access to a companion website that includes downloadables and a task template for creating your own tasks.
Whether you are new to BTC or a seasoned user, Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5 will help teachers, coaches, and specialists transform traditional math classrooms into dynamic and thought-provoking learning spaces.
Discover a bold new vision for high school mathematics that empowers students through engaging, real-world learning.
For decades, mathematics education has been guided by the visionary efforts of educators and leaders who recognized the importance of making math relevant, engaging, and accessible to all students. From the foundational principles set forth in the 1980 An Agenda for Action to the 2000 Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) to 2014’s Principles to Actions and more, the landscape of math education has been shaped by a commitment to progress throughout the United States and Canada.
Yet, challenges remain. Progress has been uneven, and many students still lack equitable access to the experiences that will empower them to navigate a world increasingly driven by data and technology. To address this, a team of mathematics teachers, leaders, and educational organizations, including NCTM, NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education, and the Association of State Supervisors of Mathematics (ASSM), came together to create a bold new vision for high school math education. High School Mathematics Reimagined, Revitalized, and Relevant is not just a publication; it is a call to action. It provides a thoughtful and practical guide for educators, school district leaders, and policymakers to rethink and restructure high school mathematics. By centering the student experience and emphasizing the development of mathematical and statistical processes, this work aims to make math not only relevant but essential for every student.
This is not the final word but the next step in an ongoing journey. We owe it to our students—and to the future—to continue this work, to collaborate, and to ensure that every high school student has the opportunity to thrive in a world where mathematics is more important than ever.
Join us in shaping the future of high school mathematics education, where every student can find purpose and possibility in the power of math.
High Yield Routines 2nd Edition, Grades K–8, is an essential resource for elementary and middle school mathematics teachers seeking to enhance their instructional practices and optimize classroom time. Authored by experienced educators, this book presents effective mathematical routines designed to integrate seamlessly into everyday classroom activities.
Structured around engaging chapters, each beginning with classroom vignettes, the book illustrates how the routines can be implemented across various grade levels. These real-life examples provide teachers with a clear picture of what to expect and how to adapt the routines to meet diverse learning needs. The routines accommodate students at different levels of understanding, promoting individual growth and fostering a collaborative classroom culture. They encourage active engagement, critical thinking, effective communication, essential skills for success in mathematics and beyond.
The book aligns with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, ensuring teachers can address important content innovatively and productively. By integrating mathematical concepts into non-mathematical routines, educators can maximize instructional time and reinforce learning in various contexts. In addition to practical routines, High-Yield Routines 2nd Edition includes insights from experienced educators who share the impact of these strategies in their classrooms. The book provides guidance on assessing student understanding and progress, equipping teachers with tools to evaluate work, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes.
High-Yield Routines 2nd Edition is a must-have resource for mathematics educators committed to high-quality instruction and fostering a love for learning in their students. With its practical strategies, alignment with educational standards, and emphasis on differentiated instruction, this book is poised to transform mathematics teaching and learning in all classrooms. Whether you are a new teacher seeking guidance or an experienced educator looking to refresh your approach, High-Yield Routines 2nd Edition will inspire you to create a vibrant and effective mathematics learning environment.
The Impact of Identity in K–12 Mathematics: Rethinking Equity-Based Practices is a compelling expanded edition of the groundbreaking work focused on grades K–8. Here, the authors delve deeper into the intricate relationship between mathematics education and student identity, extending the conversation to the high school context.
This revised and expanded volume explores how teaching practices influence students’ perceptions of themselves as mathematics learners, emphasizing the need for teachers to engage in critical reflection and embrace equity-based practices. It addresses the challenges and inequities in the current education system, exacerbated by political and social turmoil and calls for a transformative approach to mathematics teaching. The Impact of Identity in K–12 Mathematics acknowledges the role of mathematics as both a gatekeeper and a gateway in society and urges teachers to develop an asset-based approach that values every child’s unique brilliance and creativity.
Comprising 12 chapters, discussion questions, and a reflective epilogue, this book is an essential resource for teachers committed to fostering a more humanizing, liberatory mathematics education and supporting students as whole human beings.
With these books in my rotation, my math bookshelf is looking pretty full—but there’s always room for more! Whether it’s diving deeper into fluency strategies or exploring the creative side of numbers, I’m excited about what’s ahead. There’s something about finding the right math book that turns concepts into conversations and challenges into opportunities. If you’ve got a recommendation for my next great math read, drop it in the comments. After all, learning never really stops—and neither does my book list!