PRIZE ORGANIZER
SLMath (formerly MSRI)
The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath) in Berkeley, California, formerly known as the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI). SLMath is a landmark of US and world collaborative mathematical research. Over 1,700 mathematical scientists spend time at SLMath’s Berkeley, California headquarters each year. It is a place where breakthroughs are made, research areas are created, and brilliant careers are launched.
SLMath education and outreach programs reach millions worldwide, including Mathical Books, and film production for public television (mostly recently Journeys of Black Mathematicians, airing on PBS beginning in 2025), the AMS/MSRI Math Circles Library book series for educators and parents, and more.
SLMath has been supported since its origins by the U.S. National Science Foundation, now joined by other government agencies, private foundations and corporations, individual donors, and over 110 academic institutions in the U.S. and worldwide.
SLMath is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, and it is not affiliated with any publisher of Mathical award titles.
Educator Partnerships
SLMath is pleased to partner with two of the United States’ premier professional associations for educators, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Members of each organization are represented on the Mathical Book Prize selection panel, and both organizations coordinate with SLMath to announce the competition results, share resources for educators, and promote Mathical award winning titles both online and at events throughout the country.
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is the nation’s most comprehensive literacy organization, supporting more than 25,000 teachers across the PreK–college spectrum. Through the expertise of its members, NCTE has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of English and the language arts since 1911.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development, and research. Founded in 1920, NCTM is the world’s largest mathematics education organization, with 40,000 members and more than 200 affiliates throughout the United States and Canada.
Support for Schools and Communities
Early Math Project
The Early Math Project promotes awareness of the importance of math and science in early education (birth to age eight), provides tools to parents and educators, and collaborates with agencies and organizations working to advance math and science learning.
Guru Krupa Foundation
The Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF) is a private foundation incorporated in New York. The Foundation follows a holistic approach to charitable giving, addressing a range of issues from education to basic sustenance, arts & culture, and the environment. In particular, organizations that focus on delivering complementary or supplemental programs for younger children, designed to enhance the learning experience and outcomes, form a core component of many of the Foundation’s initiatives. For more information on the Foundation’s projects, please visit www.guru-krupa.org.
TeachingBooks
TeachingBooks strives to enrich everyone’s experience reading children’s and young adult books with our original and curated literary resources. Their mission is to equitably give all readers insights and opportunities that deepen their understanding and joy of the books they are reading.
School Library Journal
School Library Journal (SLJ) is the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens. A source of quality journalism and reviews for more than 60 years, SLJ produces award-winning features and news coverage on: literacy, best practices, technology, education policy and other issues of interest to the school library and greater educator community.
Development and Research in Early Math Education (DREME)
Development and Research in Early Math Education (DREME) is a network of scholars across the country who collaborate to advance math teaching and learning in the early years (birth to age 8). Visit DREME for free, research-based resources that support the development of early math skills.
Special Thanks: Our Sponsors
We gratefully acknowledge the following organizations and individuals:
The Mathical Book Prize is made possible with support from the Firedoll Foundation, the Guru Krupa Foundation, and The Luce-Fahey Family Foundation.
The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation founded by Sandor and Faye Straus in 1998, helps non-profits “fight the good fight” for environmental conservation and justice, immigration and human rights, community development, Middle East peace, and support for those affected by traumatic brain injury.
The Guru Krupa Foundation (GKF) is a private foundation incorporated in New York. The Foundation follows a holistic approach to charitable giving, addressing a range of issues from education to basic sustenance, arts & culture, and the environment. In particular, organizations that focus on delivering complementary or supplemental programs for younger children, designed to enhance the learning experience and outcomes, form a core component of many of the Foundation’s initiatives.
The Luce-Fahey Family Foundation co-sponsors Mathical, as well as supporting a variety of initiatives in the Los Angeles community and nationwide.
SLMath thanks the Simons Foundation for founding support of the Mathical Book Prize, and the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and Joan & Irwin Jacobs for previous sponsorship.