Firstly let me introduce an inspirational Maths Book by Mathematician George Polya. This is one of the most famous books of mathematics ever written, second only to Euclid’s “Elements”. I personally own the book and found it to be a very good read. It introduced me to the beauty of mathematics, and inspired me to major in Mathematics in university. Highly recommended for students who want to learn more about the philosophy behind solving Mathematics problems.
How To Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method
Sometimes, students don’t do well in Maths because of lack of interest in Maths. Once a student is interested in Maths, it is very likely that his or her results will improve naturally. Hence, cultivating passion in Mathematics is a long term strategy to improve one’s Maths results.
Other recommended Books to increase interest in Mathematics:
Math, Better Explained: Learn to Unlock Your Math Intuition
Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathemagician’s Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks
A Beautiful Mind
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics
This book is the Encyclopedia of Mathematics. It can be used up to university level and beyond. I used it for my honours project on Quantum Groups. Recommended for students who intend to pursue maths-related subjects in university (e.g. engineering, physical sciences, computer science)
Solving Mathematical Problems: A Personal Perspective
Excellent book on solving maths problems by Fields Medalist and IMO Gold Medalist Terence Tao
“The voice of books is but a single voice, yet it does not teach all men alike.” – Thomas à Kempis
Mathability: Awaken the Math Genuis in Your Child
Also, do check out:
Recommended Books for GEP
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Finally, do check out our list of recommended books for a complete self-study course for University Undergraduate Math.
Singapore Maths Tuition 
The world’s famous “Singapore Modelling Mathematics” for Primary Schools is based on the methodology of Polya’s book “How to Solve It”.
It was a shame that not many parents or children have read it during their school years. This book teaches “Problem Solving” tactics in Mathematics.
Polya was the Hungarian / USA great mathematician and Math Educationist.
Highly recommended if you want to improve Math Problem Solving skills. It is also a cheap book to keep on your bookshelf.
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Thanks for sharing this list! I’m definitely adding some of these books to my personal reading list!
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Thanks! You are welcome to reblog or share this list!
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Hi! Iva Sallay suggested I ask you about some books we have from back in the day, and whether or not math aficiandos/students (or engineering?) would be interested in them–just out of curiosity about their relevance/use these days. Books like Linear Algebra & Matrix Theory (Nering 1963), Advanced Calculus for Applications (Hildebrand 1963), The Analysis Of Grid Frameworks And Related Structures (Hendry, A.W. and Jaeger, L.G.1959). Thanks!
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Thanks for your comments! I checked out Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
by Nering and it looks like a good book to read. (I only read the preview on Amazon though) It has more words than mere symbols, which makes it feel more interesting to read like a storybook rather than a dry text.
and The Analysis Of Grid Frameworks And Related Structures
have good reviews on Amazon too.
The other two books Advanced Calculus for Applications, Second Edition
In general, it is a great idea for math students to read these classic gems.
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Do you have any recommendations for a middle school student (almost 14) on three autism spectrum? He’s very smart but has always been slow learning math. It took us three years to teach him the concept of counting, if that gives you an idea. He was using Teaching Textbooks (a fabulous homeschool math curriculum), fifth grade level and teaching himself, but VERY slowly. when he tests, he’s at a thirdfourth grade level. Thanks for any suggestions!
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Hi, thanks for commenting. I think the Singapore Math series will suit him perfectly: https://mathtuition88.com/buy-singapore-math-books/
Hope it helps!
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I have heard good things about Singapore. I’ll give it a try. But what level?
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For starters you may want to check out the beginner / Grade 1 books.
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Thank you so much!
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You are welcome!
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