The 2024 Mathical Book Prize is now closed for submissions. Thank you to all who entered!
Publishers were eligible to submit an unlimited number of titles between August 30th – September 29th, 2023.
Title selection will be made in January 2024.
Archived: View the 2024 Submission Guidelines (PDF)
Publishers, authors, and the general public are welcome to suggest previously published titles for consideration for Mathical Honor Book status at any time.
2024 Prize F.A.Q.
How do I submit titles for consideration?
Publishers in the USA and Canada were eligible to submit an unlimited number of titles via the Mathical website between August 30 – September 29, 2023.
Can I suggest books if I am not a publisher?
Authors and readers can nominate titles as Mathical Honor Books.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Mathical Book Prize?
For the Mathical Book Prize:
- Only books published in 2023 will be eligible for the 2024 Mathical Book Prize.
- Both fiction and nonfiction titles may be submitted.
- Books must be intended for grades PreK-12.
- All books must originate with a children’s publishing company or division and must be published (not simply distributed) by a publisher incorporated in the U.S. or Canada.
- Original paperbacks are eligible; paperback reprints are not. If a book is published simultaneously in hardcover and paperback, either edition may be submitted.
- Textbooks, workbooks, kits, and experiment-only books are not eligible.
- Books must be currently available in print in English.
- Spanish-language editions published in the U.S./Canada simultaneously with English-language editions are eligible.
- Books translated into English are eligible.
- Publishers agree to share publicity materials (such as high-resolution cover images) for use in marketing of the winning titles, if selected.
Mathical winners have come from a wide variety of imprints and publishers, from the largest publishing houses in the United States to nonprofit mathematical organizations and university presses.
Is there a fee for submission?
There is no submission fee for the 2024 Mathical Book Prize.
How many titles can I submit?
Publishers were eligible to submit an unlimited number of frontlist titles (published in 2023) for consideration in the 2024 Mathical Prize.
- Both fiction and nonfiction titles may be submitted.
- Textbooks, workbooks, kits, and experiment-only books are not eligible.
- Books must be intended for grades Pre-K through 12.
How many books are selected each year?
- A single frontlist title (published in 2023) will be awarded the 2024 Mathical Book Prize annually in each of five age categories.
- Additional frontlist titles may be named as Honor Books across the same age categories.
Are self-published books eligible?
No. See eligibility rules above.
What are the shipping instructions?
We will utilize PDF manuscript submission for the 2024 Prize. You will be asked to submit one PDF copy of each title to an SLMath staff contact. The manuscripts will be held in strict confidence and utilized only for the purpose of Mathical Book Prize selection. SLMath will send uploading instructions to participating publishers; publishers should begin to upload manuscripts as soon as they receive the instructions. Book manuscripts must be uploaded by October 5, 2023 to be reviewed.
Publishers will be contacted to share materials (such as high-resolution cover images) if any submissions are selected as 2024 winning titles or honor books.
When is the 2024 Prize submission period?
The 2024 Mathical submission period (for books published in calendar year 2023) ran from August 30 through September 29, 2023. Title selection will be made in January 2024, and the public announcement of the 2024 Prize winners will take place in February 2024.
What about Backlist Titles?
The Mathical Selection Committee welcomes nominations for backlist titles from publishers, authors, and the general public. Backlist titles will be considered for the designation of Mathical Honor Books, which are included in the Mathical reading list and publicity materials. These titles must be
- Currently in print.
- Published between 2013 – 2022.
- Never previously submitted for the Mathical Book Prize.
To nominate one or more backlist titles for consideration, see the online suggestion form.
Have a favorite mathy book to share with the world? Nominate a Mathical Honor Book!
Mathical titles are promoted nationally among librarians, K-12 teachers, parents, mathematicians, early childhood educators, and science museums, as well as at math events around the United States. All are welcome to suggest titles for Mathical Honor Book status→
What if I have other questions?
For additional information, please contact Kirsten Bohl, Mathical Book Prize coordinator, at mathical@slmath.org.