Best Math Books to Read for Fun (2026): 5 Picks Compared

The best math books to read for fun match the reader’s age and mood, whether that means puzzles, jokes or an interactive mystery. We compared five math books by fit for fun reading, contents and edition, value, and listed reading age or level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Moscow Puzzles by Kordemsky	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	My Math Readers by Charlesworth	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Molly and the Mysteries by Cheng	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Colossal Book of Mathematics by Gardner	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks by Vennebush	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Moscow Puzzles by Kordemsky

Boris A. Kordemsky·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 320-page classic of 359 puzzles with solutions, for teen and adult puzzle lovers.

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Pros

• 359 puzzles with solutions included
• 320 pages, revised edition from 1992
• Introduction by Martin Gardner

Cons

• Reading age 12 years and up, not for young kids
• 1992 edition is the newest stated
• No grade level stated

2

My Math Readers by Charlesworth

Liza Charlesworth·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 25-book parent pack with a parent guide, for PreK to grade 1 beginners.

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Pros

• 25 books in one sturdy box
• Parent guide included
• Covers numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, shapes

Cons

• Reading age 4 to 6 only, outgrown fast
• Workbook edition, not storybooks
• No page count stated

3

Molly and the Mysteries by Cheng

Eugenia Cheng·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 30-page interactive picture mystery with flaps and clues, for ages 6 to 8.

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Pros

• Interactive: lift the flaps, follow the clues
• Grade level 2 to 5 and reading age 6 to 8
• 2021 edition, current

Cons

• Only 30 pages
• Reading age marked as from customers
• One story, not a series

4

Colossal Book of Mathematics by Gardner

Martin Gardner·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 736-page collection of Gardner's Scientific American columns, for serious puzzle readers.

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Pros

• 736 pages across twelve sections
• Collects the Scientific American columns
• Addenda and suggested reading lists

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• 2001 first edition is the only one stated
• A 736-page commitment

5

Math Jokes 4 Mathy Folks by Vennebush

G. Patrick Vennebush·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 112-page collection of over 400 math jokes, for teachers and math fans.

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Pros

• Over 400 jokes from basic facts to trigonometry
• 112 pages, quick to read
• 2010 first edition stated

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• Jokes run from basic facts to trigonometry
• 2010 edition is the only one stated

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More picks to compare

• Math Activity Book by MartinFor adults and seniors, 7 puzzle types with complete solutionsCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed age or level where given. Three of the five list one: Moscow Puzzles at 12 years and up, Molly at 6 to 8 years (from customers), and My Math Readers at 4 to 6 years. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best math books to read for fun

Match the reading age to the reader

Moscow Puzzles lists 12 years and up, Molly lists 6 to 8 years, and My Math Readers lists 4 to 6 years. For a reader who resists math, try our math books for kids who hate math list.

Puzzles, stories or jokes

Moscow Puzzles holds 359 puzzles with solutions, Molly is a lift-the-flap mystery, and Math Jokes packs over 400 jokes. For illustrated stories, see our picture books about math list.

Before you buy

• Check the edition: the Colossal Book is a 2001 first edition, Moscow Puzzles a 1992 revised one.
• Check the age against the reader: Molly’s 6 to 8 years is marked as from customers.
• Check for solutions: Moscow Puzzles states solutions are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book suits a 12 year old who likes puzzles?

The Moscow Puzzles, with a reading age of 12 years and up and 359 puzzles with solutions.

Is there a math book here for a 5 year old?

My Math Readers Parent Pack, with a reading age of 4 to 6 years and 25 books plus a parent guide.

Do any of these books include answers?

Moscow Puzzles states solutions are included; the other four do not state an answer key.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Moscow Puzzles by Kordemsky

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Related lists

See every nonfiction list and all workbooks and homeschool lists.

More lists: best book to learn math, math workbooks for middle school, math book for middle school.