Reasons We Break
2026 Mathical Book Prize Award Winner for Grades 9-12 / Ages 14-18
Books for Grades 9–12
The Secret Astronomers
2026 Mathical Book Prize Honor Book for Grades 9-12 / Ages 14-18
The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal
2026 Mathical Book Prize Honor Book for Grades 9-12 / Ages 14-18
The Enigma Girls
Author Candace Fleming brings WWII history to life through the stories of ten young women who served in various crucial roles at Bletchley Park in England’s top-secret code-cracking operations. Many of them utilized their advanced mathematics skills to decode Nazi messages and ciphers. The narrative is supported by explanatory connections that clarify cryptography and encourage …
Much Ado about Numbers
This delightful book provides surprising examples of Shakespeare’s references in his sonnets and plays to new discoveries in mathematics and science that were occurring at the end of the 16th century. The Hindu-Arabic numeration system was just beginning to replace the use of Roman numerals in England, and Galileo’s telescope had produced evidence to challenge …
This Golden State
This page-turning narrative centers on a teenager—Poppy—with a love of math and science, a drive to find connection, and a curiosity about the mystery of her parents’ history. Poppy’s love of math and its transparency and order is in stark contrast to her parents’ secrecy and their tumultuous lives, and a young romance draws these …
Trajectory
Trajectory seamlessly integrates real mathematics into its plot, showcasing the critical role of female mathematicians in WWII. The story celebrates a love for math through Eleanor’s problem-solving journey, incorporating equations, patterns, and historical applications into its engaging narrative that highlights both the intellectual excitement of mathematics and its real-world impact. – Amanda Ruiz, Mathical Committee …
The Woman All Spies Fear
An inspiring true story, perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, about an American woman who pioneered codebreaking in WWI and WWII but was only recently recognized for her extraordinary contributions. Elizebeth Smith Friedman had a rare talent for spotting patterns and solving puzzles. These skills led her to become one of the top cryptanalysts in America during …