10+ Best Math Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect math books for 13-year-olds that can turn numbers into a fun adventure? You're in the right place! Whether your teen is a math enthusiast or needs a little help with their algebra, we've got a selection that catifies and educates. Keep reading to discover our top picks of math books for 13-year-olds that are sure to engage and inspire young learners!

Fun Math Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure by Hans Magnus Enzensberger, illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berner
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This novel features a young boy named Robert who has vivid dreams about a sly, witty number devil who teaches him the wonders of mathematics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms complex mathematical concepts into a fun, accessible fantasy adventure, making it easier and more enjoyable for young readers to grasp.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love fantasy and storytelling mixed with learning.

• Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician's Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks by Arthur Benjamin and Michael Shermer
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book provides techniques and tips to help master mental math skills, along with fun math tricks and puzzles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages quick thinking and enhances number fluency, all presented in an engaging and approachable way.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring math wizards and anyone interested in improving their mental math skills quickly and effectively.

• The Manga Guide to Calculus by Hiroyuki Kojima and Shin Togami, illustrated by Becom Co., Ltd.
  • Genre(s): Educational, Manga
  • Synopsis: This manga follows Noriko, a journalist who learns about calculus through her everyday work experiences and interactions with her knowledgeable guide.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses the popular manga format to make learning calculus engaging, relatable, and less intimidating.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and manga fans who might be daunted by traditional math textbooks.

• Math Curse by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: A young girl wakes up to find her life has become a series of math problems she needs to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates math into everyday situations, showing how fun and omnipresent math can be.
  • Perfect for: Kids who think math is boring or irrelevant, as it reveals math’s presence in fun and unexpected places.

• Murderous Maths: The Brain-Bending Basics by Kjartan Poskitt, illustrated by Philip Reeve
  • Genre(s): Educational, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book covers basic to complex mathematical concepts with a twist of humor and plenty of brain teasers to solve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning math enjoyable and hilarious, effectively engaging young readers with its quirky writing style.
  • Perfect for: Students who enjoy humor mixed with education, making learning a fun activity rather than a chore.

Educational Math Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide by Workman Publishing
  • Genre(s): Educational, Reference
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide breaks down complex middle school math concepts into digestible parts with clear explanations, illustrated tips, and mnemonic devices.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Algebra, geometry, statistics, ratios, proportions, and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s structured like a student’s notebook, making it relatable and easy to follow, which demystifies tougher math concepts.
  • Perfect for: Middle school students who want a thorough overview of key math concepts in a format that’s easy to understand and review.

• Math for All Seasons: Mind-Stretching Math Riddles by Greg Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: This book presents a series of math riddles that challenge the reader to use clever thinking to solve problems based on the seasons of the year.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, pattern recognition, and arithmetic skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fun and engaging way to enhance math skills through riddles, which makes problem-solving enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and games and are looking to improve their math skills in a playful way.

• Do Not Open This Math Book: Addition + Subtraction by Danica McKellar, illustrated by Maranda Maberry
  • Genre(s): Educational, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book introduces younger students to the concepts of addition and subtraction with a fun and humorous approach, featuring cartoon characters and quirky dialogues.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic arithmetic operations, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: Danica McKellar’s approachable style makes math less intimidating and more accessible, especially for those who may feel anxious about the subject.
  • Perfect for: Younger students who are just beginning to learn about addition and subtraction and need a gentle, entertaining introduction to these concepts.

• The Math Myth: And Other STEM Delusions by Andrew Hacker
  • Genre(s): Educational, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book challenges the conventional wisdom about the necessity of advanced mathematics in everyday life and education, proposing a more practical approach to learning math.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about education, understanding of practical versus theoretical math.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provokes thoughtful discussions about the role of math in education and whether current educational requirements truly serve students' needs.
  • Perfect for: Educators, parents, and policymakers interested in the broader implications of math education on students’ futures.

• The Grapes of Math: Mind-Stretching Math Riddles by Greg Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs
  • Genre(s): Mathematics, Puzzle
  • Synopsis: This collection of math riddles encourages children to think creatively and use less conventional methods to solve math problems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creative thinking, and arithmetic efficiency.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children that there can be multiple ways to approach and solve a problem, fostering flexibility in thinking.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy challenges and thinking outside the box, helping them develop a love for math through engaging and clever riddles.

Challenging Math Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Challenge Your Brain Math & Logic Puzzles by Dave Tuller & Michael Rios
  • Genre(s): Puzzle, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book offers a collection of puzzles that range from math problems to logical teasers, designed to challenge and stimulate the mind.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex problem-solving techniques and encourages strategic thinking, which are advanced skills for 13-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps sharpen both math and logic skills through engaging and challenging puzzles, promoting critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy puzzles and games that challenge their reasoning and problem-solving skills.

• The Art of Problem Solving, Volume 1: The Basics by Sandor Lehoczky and Richard Rusczyk
  • Genre(s): Educational, Advanced Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This text is designed for high-performing math students and covers a broad range of topics from algebra to geometry and beyond.
  • Why this book is challenging: It goes beyond typical middle school curriculum, offering deeper and more complex explorations of mathematical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It prepares students for high-level mathematics competitions and exams, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of math.
  • Perfect for: Advanced math students looking for rigorous challenges and preparation for competitions.

• Real World Algebra by Edward Zaccaro
  • Genre(s): Educational, Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This book explains algebra concepts using real-world applications and problems, making abstract concepts more understandable.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces algebraic thinking through practical problems, which requires students to apply their knowledge in new and varied contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies algebra by connecting it to everyday life, making it more accessible and relevant to young learners.
  • Perfect for: Students who struggle with abstract mathematical concepts and benefit from practical applications.

• Go Figure! A Totally Cool Book About Numbers by Johnny Ball
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Mathematics
  • Synopsis: This book dives into the world of numbers through historical anecdotes, puzzles, and facts, showcasing the fun and diverse aspects of mathematics.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents mathematical concepts through historical and real-world scenarios that require a broader understanding of how mathematics fits into various aspects of life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes math engaging and relevant, illustrating the importance and fun of numbers in a non-traditional format.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who appreciate math's role in history and everyday life and enjoy learning through stories and facts.

• What's Your Angle, Pythagoras? A Math Adventure by Julie Ellis, illustrated by Phyllis Hornung
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Pythagoras and how he comes to discover his famous theorem about right triangles.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates historical context with the introduction of geometric concepts, blending learning with storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a narrative approach to learning geometry, making it easier for students to remember and appreciate the origins of the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Perfect for: Students who enjoy history and stories that involve mathematical discoveries and applications.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into math books and you're around 13 years old, developing strong reading habits can really make a difference. Not only will these habits help you grasp complex mathematical concepts, but they'll also make the learning process a bit more fun. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your math books:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide in advance how much you'll read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps you manage your reading time effectively.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries short and to the point; try using bullet points.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the math concepts with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and helps identify areas that need more clarification.
  • Tips: Try to explain the concepts in your own words to deepen your understanding.

• Create Mind Maps
  • What it is: Draw visual diagrams to represent the information you read.
  • How it helps: Helps in visualizing relationships between different mathematical concepts.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to make the mind map more engaging and easier to remember.

• Apply Math to Real-Life Situations
  • What it is: Think of real-life scenarios where you can apply the math concepts you've learned.
  • How it helps: Makes learning more interesting and relevant.
  • Tips: Regularly ask yourself how what you're learning could be useful in everyday life.

• Teach Someone Else
  • What it is: Explain the math concepts to someone else.
  • How it helps: Teaching is a great way to reinforce your own understanding and uncover any gaps in your knowledge.
  • Tips: Try to use simple language and examples when explaining to others.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll not only enhance your ability to tackle math books but also enjoy the process of learning. Remember, the key is consistency, so try to practice these exercises regularly. Happy reading and calculating!