Books about numbers for age 7 and above

Numeracy is just as important as literacy! Here is a selection of books that celebrate numbers and all the fun and fascinating things you can do with them. All these books are in English and are a mixture of fiction, poetry and non-fiction. All are suitable for ages 7-11.

That’s Mathematics

Author: Chris Smith based on lyrics by Tom Lehrer Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa
Publisher: Mama Makes Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

A joyful, fun celebration of maths concepts, using everyday activities. Vibrant, energetic illustrations make this a friendly, accessible read.
Questions and Answers about Money

Author: Lara Bryan Illustrator: Marie-Eve Tremblay
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 6-9

Part of Usborne’s Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers series, this is an invaluable and accessible introduction to money for younger readers.
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson put Astronauts on the Moon

Author: Helaine Becker Illustrator: Dow Phmiruk
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+

The fascinating story of Katherine Johnson, who yearned to know about numbers and the universe, and ended up calculating the flight paths to the moon despite numerous obstacles. An inspiring picture book for children to dream big and work hard.
Marvellous Maths

Author: Jonathan Litton Illustrator: Thomas Flintham
Publisher: Templar Publishing
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 7+

Thinks Maths is boring? Think again! This attractive, large-format interactive book will help make numbers fun and exciting.
Codebusters

Author: Dan Metcalf Illustrator: Gary Cherrington
Publisher: Bloomsbury Education
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 7-9

This pacey illustrated chapter book for confident young readers highlights the importance of friendship and remaining true to yourself. With brainteasers to solve throughout, it will particularly appeal to those with an interest in maths, puzzles and codes.
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

Author: Laurie Wallmark Illustrator: Katy Wu
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Interest age: 5-12
Reading age: 8+

The inspiring story of Grace Hopper: someone who revolutionised computer science and used her sparky sense of humour to make up the term “computer bug”. A great read for children in need of inspiration when it comes to science and maths.
Count

Author: Melvin Burgess Illustrator: Chris Mould
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 8-9
Reading age: 9-11

Brandon boasts about everything and claims that he can count to ten million, even though it will take him almost a year. As he begins, the numbers take on a life of their own, emitting a shimmery light as they wait in line to be counted. The higher Brandon counts, the more his life is on public view, and he becomes part of a media frenzy.

This light-hearted,…
Launch a Rocket Into Space: You do the Maths

Author: Hilary Koll and Steve Mills Illustrator: Vladimir Aleksic
Publisher: QED Publishing
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 8

Maths is made appealing by relating it to its use in the modern world and by the use of comic book style illustrations. With answers and glossary.
100 Things to Know About Numbers, Computing and Coding

Author: Various
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Did you know that scientists are developing ways to store data inside plant DNA? Or did you know that numbers are used to power the GPS on your smartphone? Have you ever wondered what a Googleplex is? Or piphilology? Or what the first computer game was?
Molly and the Mathematical Mystery

Author: Eugenia Cheng Illustrator: Aleksandra Artymowska
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Molly is a curious explorer and finds that her bedroom is just the beginning of a fantastic journey through a mysterious house which she must navigate by solving mathematical puzzles. A great introduction to mathematical concepts for older primary readers.
Einstein, The Girl Who Hated Maths

Author: John Agard Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

A perfect book for schools in particular, this book is filled with thought-provoking poems that will re-enchant the magic of maths for children.
Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths

Author: Maisie Chan Illustrator: Anh Cao
Publisher: Piccadilly Press
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 8+

Danny Chung doesn’t do maths he does do art. When his grandmother arrives from China, hilarious adventures including bingo and lychees show him that maths and art are closely connected.