After more than a decade of service to public outreach for the mathematical community in the United States, we share the news that Kirsten Bohl has stepped down from her role as Mathical Books coordinator at the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath). What began as an idea to showcase thoughtfully curated, math-inspiring literature for children and teens grew, under Kirsten’s guidance and shared vision, into a program that has reached classrooms, libraries, and homes across the United States, with over 200 titles joining the Mathical booklist.
Together with the Mathical Selection Committee members, she ensured that Mathical Books opened doors not only to children who already love mathematics but also to those who are new to seeing math in the world around them. Her deep respect for the important roles educators and librarians play in shaping children’s world views embodied SLMath’s goal of sharing joyful, mathematical experiences with people of all ages, whether via youth literature or public events such as the National Math Festival, which Kirsten also coordinated from 2015-2022.
As Kirsten begins her next chapter, we share our deep gratitude for her time with SLMath and the Mathical Books program. On behalf of the many authors and illustrators, educators and librarians, mathematicians, organizational partners, and especially young readers who have shared their love of reading and mathematics with us: thank you, Kirsten!
Dear readers: we also thank you for being part of our Mathical community! You can still reach us at mathical@slmath.org.