Best Math Books for High School Students
The best math books for high school students depend on the goal. For a course, use a textbook like Stewart’s Calculus or the Art of Problem Solving’s Introduction to Geometry. For problem solving, try Thinking Mathematically. For curiosity, 50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know is a quick, friendly read.
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Quick picks
| Need | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry (advanced) | Introduction to Geometry | Challenging, proof-based, with full solutions |
| AP or college calculus | Calculus by James Stewart | The standard textbook, with many worked examples |
| Statistics | Statistics by McClave and Sincich | An intro course built around real data |
| Problem solving | Thinking Mathematically | How to start when you’re stuck |
| Big ideas | 50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know | Short chapters on the ideas behind math |
How to choose a math book for high school
- Decide what it’s for. Class support, test prep, contests and curiosity each call for a different book.
- Use your class textbook first. A second textbook helps most when it explains things differently.
- Check for solutions. Worked solutions let you learn from every problem you miss.
- Be honest about level. A college book can wait. A book that’s too hard is easy to give up on.
Textbooks for high school courses
Introduction to Geometry by Richard Rusczyk (Art of Problem Solving)
A demanding geometry course built around proofs and hard problems. This set includes the solutions manual.
Best for: strong students and math contest prep
Calculus by James Stewart
The most widely used calculus textbook, with many worked examples and exercises. It covers everything in AP Calculus AB and BC and more.
Best for: AP Calculus students and future STEM majors
Statistics by James McClave and Terry Sincich
An intro statistics textbook built around real data sets and clear explanations.
Best for: AP Statistics students who want a second explanation
Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strang
A clear first course in linear algebra from a famous MIT teacher.
Best for: advanced students who have finished calculus
Problem-solving books
Thinking Mathematically by John Mason, Leone Burton and Kaye Stacey
Teaches a process for attacking problems: getting started, getting stuck and checking your work.
Best for: anyone who freezes on unfamiliar problems
Professor Stewart’s Casebook of Mathematical Mysteries by Ian Stewart
Math puzzles told as detective stories.
Best for: puzzle lovers
Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning by George Pólya
A classic two-volume set on how mathematicians guess, test and prove.
Best for: serious students thinking about a math major
A Concise Introduction to Logic by Patrick Hurley
A clear introduction to logic and arguments, used in many college logic courses.
Best for: students interested in proofs, debate or philosophy
Discrete Mathematics with Applications by Susanna Epp
A gentle introduction to logic, proofs and discrete math.
Best for: advanced students who want to learn how proofs work
Books about big ideas in math
50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know by Tony Crilly
Fifty short chapters on ideas like infinity, primes and probability.
Best for: a quick tour of math
What Is Mathematics? by Richard Courant and Herbert Robbins
A classic, deeper tour of math for strong students.
Best for: students who want a challenge
The Mathematical Experience by Philip J. Davis and Reuben Hersh
Essays on what math is and how mathematicians work.
Best for: reflective readers
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
A short, classic novel about dimensions.
Best for: a fun weekend read
Logicomix by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou
A graphic novel about the search for the foundations of math and logic.
Best for: students who like history and stories
Step-by-step lessons
Books are great for going deeper. For your current class, our lessons show every step with practice and full answers. See the Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus 1 and Statistics indexes, or search the A–Z Math Topic Index.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best calculus book for high school students?
Stewart’s Calculus is the most common choice for AP Calculus. It has many worked examples and exercises.
What math books help with problem solving?
Thinking Mathematically teaches a step-by-step process for hard problems. Ian Stewart’s Casebook adds puzzles for practice.
What should I read if I like math?
Try 50 Mathematical Ideas You Really Need to Know, then What Is Mathematics? for a deeper look.
More math book guides
- Best Math Books for Elementary Students
- Best Math Books for Middle School Students
- Best Math Books for College Students
See every pick in one place on Math Book Resources.