Third annual prize highlights books and graphic novels that let kids explore math in the world around them
Washington, D.C. April 21, 2017 — The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), announced today the winners of the third annual Mathical Book Prize, honoring a diverse selection of fiction and literary nonfiction which aim to foster curiosity and cultivate a love of mathematics. Winners were selected by a national committee of 19 distinguished authors, librarians, and math educators.
“Mathical highlights the best in children’s literature with math in the mix, from picture books to young adult novels,” said David Eisenbud, director of MSRI. “These are not books that drill technique—they are chosen for their charm, their storyline, and especially for their positive spin on math, often with heroines and heroes who love and use math.”
The 2017 Mathical Prize winners (published in 2016) are:
Pre-K:
- ONE Very Big Bear, by Alice Brière-Haquet (author) and Olivier Philipponneau and Raphaële Enjary (illustrators)
Grades K-2:
- Absolutely One Thing: Featuring Charlie and Lola, by Lauren Child
Grades 3-5:
- Which One Doesn’t Belong? A Shapes Book, by Christopher Danielson
Grades 6-8:
- Mind-Boggling Numbers, by Michael J. Rosen (author) and Julia Patton (illustrator)
Grades 9-12:
- Genius: The Game, by Leopoldo Gout
The Mathical Honor books (published prior to 2016) are:
Pre-K:
- A Mousy Mess, by Laura Driscoll (author) and Deborah Melmon (illustrator)
Grades K-2:
- Shapes, Reshape! A Minibombo Book, by Silvia Borando
Grades 6-8:
- Ruby Redfort: Feel the Fear, by Lauren Child
Grades 9-12:
- Meanwhile, by Jason Shiga
Mathical continues to partner with First Book, a nonprofit organization which provides books and educational resources to schools and programs serving children in low-income communities. Since 2015, Mathical award winning titles have been distributed through First Book’s programs.
For more information about Mathical: Books for Kids from Tots to Teens selections, including previous winners, online events, and educational resources for teachers, parents, and librarians, visit mathicalbooks.org. The Mathical Prize is made possible through the support of the Firedoll Foundation.
About the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI)
The Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) is one of the world’s preeminent centers for collaborative research in mathematics. Located in Berkeley, California, MSRI’s mission is to advance mathematical research, foster talent, and further the appreciation of mathematics.
The Institute’s public programs aim to showcase the importance and beauty of math to the general public. MSRI strives to make mathematics accessible and exciting to those outside the field through the National Math Festival in Washington, D.C., sponsorship of Numberphile (YouTube’s most popular informal mathematics channel with over two million subscribers), film production for public television, and the Mathical Book Prize. MSRI has created a national “math circles” movement of small organizations teaching and engaging children in math as a hobby.
MSRI is supported by the National Science Foundation with additional support from other government agencies, private foundations, corporations, individual donors, and nearly 100 academic institutions. www.msri.org
About the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development, and research. NCTM is the world’s largest mathematics education organization, with 80,000 members and more than 230 Affiliates throughout the United States and Canada. www.nctm.org
About the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE)
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) promotes the development of literacy (the use of language to construct personal and public worlds and to achieve full participation in society) through the learning and teaching of English and the related arts and sciences of language. NCTE does this through a vast array of programs, publications, and projects designed to support more than 30,000 members nationwide. www.ncte.org
Mathical Supporters Kit
Resources for media, educators, and librarians to use to promote and feature Mathical award winners in children’s reading programs can be found on the Mathical website at mathicalbooks.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Murawski
jmurawski@msri.org
17 Gauss Way, Berkeley, CA 94720-5070