This is a book list aimed at students of mathematics topics typically taught in grades 9-12 as well as any interested non-student. In many cases the books do not fall specifically within one subject area but would be equally suitable for students of any math class. A subject is given for each book indicating the particular title’s emphasis. Included on this list are books on general mathematics, algebra, geometry, statistics, probability, trigonometry, calculus, and fiction titles that incorporate a math theme.
Title: Descartes's Secret Notebook: A True Tale of Mathematics, Mysticism, and the Quest to Understand the Universe
Author: Aczel, Amir D.
Copyright Date: 2005
Call Number: 194 D445Ac
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This book explores the life of Philosopher and Mathematician Rene Descartes.
Title: Einstein's Heroes: Imagining the World Through the Language of Mathematics
Author: Arianrhod, Robyn
Copyright Date: 2005
Call Number: 530.92 M465Ar 2005
Subject: General Mathematics - Physics
Description: A look at the life and work of 3 men who were admired by Einstein. Specifically, Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, and James Clerk Maxwell.
Title: One, Two, Three: Absolutely Elementary Mathematics
Author: David Berlinski
Copyright Date: 2011
Call Number: 512.86 B515
E-Copy: http://e-media.lapl.org/ContentDetails.htm?ID=E253227E-491B-4BA7-84E6-82D1FAF4860F
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This book explores mathematics by examining the simplest possible concepts. What is a number? How does addition or subtraction, multiplication or division actually work? All in all, a fascinating book.
Title: Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz: Making Light of Weighty Ideas
Author: Burger, Edward B.
Copyright Date: 2005
Call Number: 510 B954
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This is a lighthearted exploration of mathematics in daily life.
Title: The Hole in the Universe: How Scientists Peered over the Edge of Emptiness and Found Everything
Author: Cole, K. C.
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 530.1 C689-1
Subject: General Mathematics – Physics
Description: This book explores the search for nothing in the physical universe. In the search it covers a wide range of topics from number theory to the concept of Zen.
Title: Celebrating Women in Mathematics and Science
Author: Cooney, Miriam P. (editor)
Copyright Date: 1996
Call Number: 510.9 C3925
Subject: General Mathematics – Biography
Description: An exploration of the lives of women from ancient to modern times in the fields of mathematics and science.
Title: The Mathematical Universe: An Alphabetical Journey Through the Great Proofs, Problems, and Personalities
Author: Dunham, William
Copyright Date: 1994
Call Number: 510.9 D917-1
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This is an alphabetically arranged collection of essays on math topics for the sophisticated non-expert.
Title: In Code: A Mathematical Journey
Author: Flannery, Sarah
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 510.92 F585 2001
Subject: General Mathematics – Number Theory – Memoir
Description: The mathematical memoir of a girl who worked in cryptography and came to the world’s attention when she was 16 years old. Learn how she was introduced to mathematics and came to love the subject.
Title: Aristotle Leads the Way
Author: Hakim, Joy
Copyright Date: 2004
Call Number: x 509 H155
Subject: General Mathematics – History
Description: This is a basic history of math and science presented with many maps, graphs, charts, illustrations, and so on.
Title: Loving & Hating Mathematics: Challenging the Myths of Mathematical Life
Author: Hersh, Reuben and Vera John-Steiner
Copyright Date: 2011
Call Number: 510.9 H572
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This book focuses on the human feelings, emotions, and relationships of mathematicians.
Title: Rocket Boys : A Memoir
Author: Hickam, Homer H
Copyright Date: 1998
Call Number: 629.4092 H627
Subject: General Mathematics – Engineering – Memoir
Description: A man remembers his boyhood years in a mining town in West Virginia and how a love of rockets inspired by Sputnik changed his life.
Title: Master Math: Solving Word Problems
Author: Immergut, Brita
Copyright Date: 2003
E-Copy: http://www.netLibrary.com/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=91709
Description: This book is a primer on solving word problems. It is arranged in increasing order of complexity and focuses on the difficulties people typically encounter when they are struggling with solving word problems.
Title: The Nothing That Is
Author: Kaplan, Robert
Copyright Date: 2000
Call Number: 511.1 K17 2000
Subject: General Mathematics – History
Description: A very thorough (and interesting) look at the number 0.
Title: The Moscow Puzzles: 359 Mathematical Recreations
Author: Kordemskiĭ, B. A.
Copyright Date: 1992
Call Number: 510.76 K84 1992
Subject: General Mathematics – Puzzles
Description: A collection of entertaining math and logic puzzles.
Title: A Beautiful Mind
Author: Nasar, Sylvia
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 510.92 N251Na 2001
Subject: General Mathematics – Biography
Description: Explores the life of Nobel Laureate (and schizophrenic) John Nash. The movie Beautiful Mind was based on this book and here you will find many additional details about Nash.
Title: What the Numbers Say: A Field Guide to Mastering Our Numerical World
Author: Niederman, Derrick
Copyright Date: 2003
Call Number: 311 N666
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This chatty yet informative book teaches you how to navigate numbers as you encounter them in your everyday life.
Title: The Joy of Mathematics
Author: Pappas, Theoni
Copyright Date: 1989
Call Number: 510 P2176-1 1989
Subject: General Mathematics – Recreations
Description: A puzzle, problem book that is accessible even for mathematical neophytes.
Title: Beyond Numeracy; Ruminations of A Numbers Man
Author: Paulos, John Allan
Copyright Date: 1991
Call Number: 510 P331-1
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This is a collection of wide ranging essays on the topic of mathematics arranged alphabetically.
Title: Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences
Author: Paulos, John Allan
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 510 P331 2001
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This book asks why even well educated people are so bad with numbers and seeks to assess the cost of this innumeracy.
Title: How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method
Author: Pólya, George
Copyright Date: 1988
Call Number: 510.1 P781 1988
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: A book about how to solve problems of all sorts (including mathematical ones).
Title: Proofiness: The Dark Arts of Mathematical Deception
Author: Seife, Charles
Copyright Date: 2010
Call Number: 510 S459
E-Copy: http://e-media.lapl.org/ContentDetails.htm?ID=7DB3DA41-DE39-4086-A5EF-9DDC0DA65159
Subject: General Mathematics
Description: This book explores how numbers are misused to convince us of things that aren’t true. Read this book to learn how to see through the manipulation.
Title: The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It
Author: Singh, Simon
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 652.018 S617
Subject: General Mathematics – Cryptography
Description: This book explores the history of cryptography, the science of making & breaking codes.
Title: Cosmic Numbers: The Numbers That Define Our Universe
Author: Stein, James D.
Copyright Date: 2011
Call Number: 523.1 S819
Subject: General Mathematics – Cosmology
Description: This book explores the people and history behind those constants buried in the equations of physics. Here you will learn the math and science behind everything from the speed of light to the Planck constant, to the Chandrasekhar limit.
Title: Lost Discoveries: The Ancient Roots of Modern Science--from the Babylonians to the Maya
Author: Teresi, Dick
Copyright Date: 2002
Call Number: 509.3 T316
Subject: General Mathematics – History
Description: This book explores the history and influence of non-western cultures on modern science. It includes a chapter on mathematics.
Title: Algebra To Go: A Mathematics Handbook
Author: N.A.
Copyright Date: 2000
Call Number: 512 A3945
Subject: Algebra – Handbook
Description: This book provides useful information for students of Algebra and will refresh the knowledge of adult’s interested in helping their student.
Title: The Math Dude's Quick And Dirty Guide To Algebra
Author: Marshall, Jason
Copyright Date: 2011
Call Number: 512 M368
Subject: Algebra
Description: This book provides an entertaining refresher course on Algebra, spiced up with many illustrations and references to popular culture.
Title: Hot X : Algebra Exposed
Author: McKellar, Danica
Copyright Date: 2010
Call Number: 512 M1545
Subject: Algebra
Description: This book is a girl-centric look at Algebra that covers all the basics.
Title: Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem
Author: Singh, Simon
Copyright Date: 1997
Call Number: 512.81 S617
Subject: Algebra
Description: This book tells the story of Fermat’s last theorem, from Fermat’s first notation of it all the way through to Wiles’ solution in 1995.
Title: Schaum's Outline Of Theory And Problems Of Elementary Algebra
Author: Rich, Barnett
Copyright Date: 2004
Call Number: 512 R498-1 2004
Subject: Algebra – Study Guide
Description: A comprehensive study guide of basic Algebra for use to supplement what you’re covering in class.
Title: Flatland
Author: Abbott, Edwin
Copyright Date: 1884
Call Number: 827 A131
E-Copy: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/201 (Project Gutenberg)
Subject: Geometry
Description: This classic tells the adventures of A Square as he explores geometric spaces represented by the point, the line, the plane, and our own 3-dimensional space.
Title: The Joy of Pi
Author: Blatner, David
Copyright Date: 1997
Call Number: 513.2 B644
Subject: Geometry
Description: A look at all things pi, from it’s history, to those who have a passion for delving out ever more of its digits. This book even includes jokes, poems, and limericks all about pi.
Title: The Humongous Book of Geometry Problems: Translated for People Who Don't Speak Math
Author: Kelley, W. Michael
Copyright Date: 2009
Call Number: 513 K29
Subject: Geometry – Study Guide
Description: This book looks at geometry problem by problem working out all the steps (even the ones typically assumed) to help you master the topic.
Title: Euclid's Window: The Story of Geometry from Parallel Lines to Hyperspace
Author: Mlodinow, Leonard
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 513.9 M685
Subject: Geometry – History
Description: This book explores the history of Geometry through the “window” of five people important in the field. Although the book has flaws it is an entertaining introduction to the topic.
Title: Geometry: Includes Plane, Analytic, And Transformational Geometries
Author: Rich, Barnett
Copyright Date: 2009
Call Number: 516 R498-1 2009
Subject: Geometry – Study Guide
Description: This is a Schaum’s outline book that will provide you with a no frills look at geometry complete with plenty of worked problems to examine.
Title: Schaum's Outline Of Theory And Problems Of Elements Of Statistics I: Descriptive Statistics And Probability
Author: Bernstein, Stephen
Copyright Date: 1999
Call Number: 519.5 B517
Subject: Statistics – Probability – Study Guide
Description: This book provides an outline of probability and statistics. It includes many worked problems for you to examine.
Title: The Humongous Book of Statistics Problems: Translated for People Who Don't Speak Math
Author: Kelley, W. Michael
Copyright Date: 2009
Call Number: 519.5 K29
Subject: Statistics – Study Guide
Description: This book looks at statistics problem by problem working out all the steps (even the ones typically assumed) to help you master the topic.
Title: A Mathematician Reads the Newspaper
Author: Paulos, John Allen
Copyright Date: 1995
Call Number: 510 P331-2
Subject: Statistics
Description: The author takes you on a tour of a typical edition of the newspaper and highlights all the use (and misuse) of mathematics on display.
Title: Once Upon A Number: The Hidden Mathematical Logic Of Stories
Author: Paulos, John Allen
Copyright Date: 1998
Call Number: 519.5 P331
Subject: Statistics
Description: To quote the author, "This book is not concerned with the history of great theorems, but with bridging, or at least clarifying, some of the gaps between formal mathematics and its applications." It endeavors to show that math is a part of everything by showing how math is a skeletal presence in story.
Title: Probability
Author: Lipschutz, Seymour
Copyright Date: 2011
Call Number: 519 L767 2011
Subject: Probability – Study Guide
Description: This is a Schaum’s outline book that will provide you with a no frills look at probability complete with plenty of worked problems to examine.
Title: Duelling idiots and other probability puzzlers
Author: Nahin, Paul J.
Copyright Date: 2000
Call Number: 519 N153
Subject: Probability – Puzzles
Description: This is a puzzle book that focuses on probability problems.
Title: The Jungles of Randomness: A Mathematical Safari
Author: Peterson, Ivars
Copyright Date: 1998
Call Number: 519 P485
Subject: Probability
Description: This book explores, in small, bite-sized segments, the concept of randomness.
Title: The Golden Ratio: The Story of PHI, the World's Most Astonishing Number
Author: Livio, Mario
Copyright Date: 2002
Call Number: 513 L788
Subject: Trigonometry
Description: This book provides an in depth look at the golden ratio as it takes us on a tour through art and architecture, botany and biology, physics and mathematics.
Title: Trigonometry: With Calculator-Based Solutions
Author: Moyer, Robert E.
Copyright Date: 2009
Call Number: 514 A977 2009
E-Copy: http://www.netLibrary.com/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=12969 (an earlier edition of the work).
Subject: Trigonometry – Study Guide
Description: This is a Schaum’s outline book that will provide you with a no frills look at trigonometry complete with plenty of worked problems to examine.
Title: Precalculus
Author: Safier, Fred
Copyright Date: 2009
Call Number: 512 S128 2009
E-Copy: http://www.netLibrary.com/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=82710 (an earlier edition of the work).
Subject: Trigonometry, Algebra II
Description: This is a Schaum’s outline book that will provide you with a look at the precalculus topics typically covered in Algebra II and Trigonometry courses. Includes plenty of worked examples.
Title: The Mystery of the Aleph: Mathematics, the Kabbalah, and the Search for Infinity
Author: Aczel, Amir D.
Copyright Date: 2000
Call Number: 125 A189
Subject: Calculus – History
Description: Explores the concept of infinity from the Greeks use through to Georg Cantor’s work on it and includes many juicy details along the way.
Title: How To Ace Calculus: The Streetwise Guide
Author: Adams, Colin Conrad
Copyright Date: 1998
Call Number: 517 A211
Subject: Calculus – Study Guide
Description: This book explains key topics in calculus using plain language.
Title: Schaum's Easy Outlines: Calculus
Author: Ayres, Frank
Copyright Date: 2011
Call Number: 517 A985-2 2011
E-Copy: http://e-media.lapl.org/ContentDetails.htm?ID=499915E2-A63C-4498-9737-10024FDC07E4 (Earlier edition of title).
Subject: Calculus – Study Guide
Description: This book provides an outline of calculus. It includes many worked problems for you to examine.
Title: e: The Story of a Number
Author: Maor, Eli
Copyright Date: 1998
Call Number: 512.81 M296 1998
Subject: Calculus – History
Description: This book is an informal history of the natural logarithm e.
Title: A Tour Of The Calculus
Author: Berlinski, David
Copyright Date: 1995
Call Number: 517 B515
Subject: Calculus
Description: A brief survey on the topic of Calculus, this book is not intent on teaching the reader but rather on presenting a brief history of the topic and introducing key concepts.
Title: Proof
Author: Auburn, David
Copyright Date: 2001
Call Number: 812 A897-1
Subject: Fiction – Play – Math Theme(s)
Description: This play explores themes of love, madness, and mathematics.
Title: The Sand-Reckoner
Author: Bradshaw, Gillian
Copyright Date: 2000
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s) - Geometry
Description: This is a fictional exploration of the life of Archimedes, a Greek Mathematician and Engineer.
Title: Fractal Murders
Author: Cohen, Mark
Copyright Date: 2004
Call Number: M
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s) – Mystery
Description: Someone is killing geometers, specifically, the top specialists in the field of fractal geometry. It is up to Pepper Keane to put the clues together and solve the mystery.
Title: Ratner’s Star
Author: Delillo, Don
Copyright Date: 1989
Call Number: ed.A
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: Billy, a teen, works with a group of scientists who are communicating with aliens. This is a difficult yet rewarding book that is replete with science and mathematics.
Title: Uncle Petros and Goldbach's Conjecture: A Novel of Mathematical Obsession
Author: Doxiadis, Apostolos
Copyright Date: 2000
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: This novel explores one man’s obsession with proving a famous enigma (Goldbach’s Conjecture) and the impact that has on his life. The story is highlighted with a myriad of real details from the history of mathematics.
Title: The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure
Author: Enzensberger, Hans Magnus
Copyright Date: 2000
Call Number: x
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: Robert dreams of a magical land of numbers where a number devil shows him many different tricks about numbers. A humorous book that manages to teach basic number theory while entertaining readers this will work for many different ages.
Title: The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano
Author: Giorgano, Paolo
Copyright Date: 2010
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: Two misfits meet as teenagers. One obsessed with math and self-injury, the other focused on photography and anorexic. Can they overcome their individually experienced solitude and loneliness or are some people destined to be “primes”?
Title: An Abundance of Katherines
Author: Green, John
Copyright Date: 2006
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: After being dumped by his girlfriend Katherine (the 19th girl named Katherine who has dumped him) Colin sets off on a road trip with a friend where he attempts to put together a Theorem on Katherine predictability that will steer him into the future.
Title: The Parrot’s Theorem
Author: Guedj, Denis
Copyright Date: 2001
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: A bookseller, a boy and his siblings, and a parrot solve a mystery while exploring the beautiful history of numerical reasoning.
Title: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time
Author: Haddon, Mark
Copyright Date: 2003
E-Copy: http://e-media.lapl.org/ContentDetails.htm?ID=EB678F4E-CF06-403E-A8C3-634DBB35AE1F (LAPL e-book)
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: In this mystery, Christopher, autistic and a math savant, seeks to discover what happened to his neighbor’s dog and in the course of his investigation learns a great deal about the world.
Title: The Dot and the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics by Norton Juster
Author: Juster, Norton
Copyright Date: 1963
Call Number: 745 J965
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s)
Description: This is a love story. The line courts the dot who is enamored with the squiggle. It is a lighthearted connection between romance and mathematics.
Title: Measuring the World
Author: Kehlmann, Daniel
Copyright Date: 2006
Subject Fiction - Math Theme(s)
Description: This is a historical novel that loosely follows the explorer Alexander von Humboldt and the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss.
Title: The Oxford Murders
Author: Martinez, Guillermo
Copyright Date: 2005
Call Number: M
Subject: Fiction – Math Theme(s) – Mystery
Description: An Argentinean mathematician studying at Oxford finds himself embroiled in what starts as the murder of his landlady and soon escalates to a serial killing spree.
Signature
Sarah Moore
Adult Librarian III
Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library
smoore@lapl.org
Rev: 5/8/12