Mathical Book Prize
From the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath)
February 20, 2025: The 2025 Mathical Winners are here!
Books for Grades 9–12
Author Candace Fleming brings WWII history to life through the stories of ten young women who served in various crucial roles at Bletchley Park in England’s top-secret code-cracking operations. Many of them utilized their advanced mathematics skills to decode Nazi messages and ciphers. The narrative is supported by explanatory connections that clarify cryptography and encourage …
This delightful book provides surprising examples of Shakespeare’s references in his sonnets and plays to new discoveries in mathematics and science that were occurring at the end of the 16th century. The Hindu-Arabic numeration system was just beginning to replace the use of Roman numerals in England, and Galileo’s telescope had produced evidence to challenge …
This page-turning narrative centers on a teenager—Poppy—with a love of math and science, a drive to find connection, and a curiosity about the mystery of her parents’ history. Poppy’s love of math and its transparency and order is in stark contrast to her parents’ secrecy and their tumultuous lives, and a young romance draws these …
Trajectory seamlessly integrates real mathematics into its plot, showcasing the critical role of female mathematicians in WWII. The story celebrates a love for math through Eleanor’s problem-solving journey, incorporating equations, patterns, and historical applications into its engaging narrative that highlights both the intellectual excitement of mathematics and its real-world impact. – Amanda Ruiz, Mathical Committee …
An inspiring true story, perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, about an American woman who pioneered codebreaking in WWI and WWII but was only recently recognized for her extraordinary contributions. Elizebeth Smith Friedman had a rare talent for spotting patterns and solving puzzles. These skills led her to become one of the top cryptanalysts in America during …
A NASA astrophysicist narrates his improbable journey from an impoverished childhood and an adolescence mired in drugs and crime to the nation’s top physics PhD program at Stanford in this inspiring coming-of-age memoir. Born into extreme poverty and emotional deprivation, James Edward Plummer was blessed with a genius I.Q. and a love of science. But …
So no one taught you about money, either? Let’s figure this me$$ out together. In this illustrated, deeply unserious guide to money, Berna Anat—aka the Financial Hype Woman—freaks out her immigrant parents by doing the unthinkable: Talking about money. Loudly. Because we’re done staying silent, anxious, and ashamed about our money. It’s time to join the …
Bel doesn’t want to think about the future. College apps? You’re funny. Extracurriculars? Not a chance. Joining a robotics club filled with boys who ignore her or—even worse—constantly ask if she needs help? Please, anything but that. But when she accidentally reveals a talent for engineering in class, she has no choice. Enter Mateo Luna, …
