Best Math Books for Middle School Students
The best math books for middle school students give lots of practice with clear answers. Workbooks like the Spectrum series cover each grade’s skills, and summer review books help kids keep up. For curious students, books like Flatland show that math can be fun. Below are our picks for grades 6 to 8.
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Quick picks
| Need | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 6 practice | Spectrum Math Workbook, Grade 6 | Short lessons on fractions, ratios and equations, with an answer key |
| Grade 8 practice | Spectrum Math Workbook, Grade 8 | Covers equations, irrational numbers and the Pythagorean theorem |
| Daily grade 8 review | 8th Grade Common Core Math | Short daily practice tied to grade 8 standards |
| Summer review | Summer Bridge Activities | Keeps skills fresh between grades |
| Fun reading | Flatland | A short novel about shapes living in a flat world |
How to choose a math book for middle school
- Find the gap. Look at recent tests or report cards. Is the problem fractions, equations or word problems?
- Pick the right grade. If your child is behind, a workbook one grade lower can rebuild confidence.
- Check for an answer key. Kids learn more when they can check each problem right away.
- Keep it short. Fifteen minutes a day works better than a long session once a week.
Workbooks for practice
Spectrum Math Workbook, Grade 6
Spectrum workbooks break each skill into short lessons with practice and an answer key. Grade 6 focuses on fractions, ratios, expressions and simple equations.
Best for: grade 6, or grade 7 students who need review
Spectrum Math Workbook, Grade 8
The grade 8 book in the same series. It covers linear equations, functions, irrational numbers and the Pythagorean theorem.
Best for: grade 8, or getting ready for Algebra 1
8th Grade Common Core Math
A daily practice workbook organized by grade 8 Common Core standards.
Best for: steady daily review
Holt McDougal Mathematics 8: Homework and Practice
A homework and practice workbook that goes with the Holt McDougal Mathematics 8 course.
Best for: students whose school uses Holt McDougal
McGraw-Hill Education Math Grade 8
A McGraw-Hill review book for grade 8 math, with explanations and practice for each topic.
Best for: independent study and test review
Summer Bridge Activities
Short daily activities that review one grade and preview the next.
Best for: summer break, so skills don’t slip
Books that make math fun
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
A classic short novel about a square who lives in a two-dimensional world and discovers a third dimension.
Best for: curious readers in grades 7 and 8
Murderous Maths by Kjartan Poskitt
Funny, illustrated books on numbers, shapes and puzzles.
Best for: students who think math is boring
Step-by-step help with every lesson
A workbook is great for practice, but some skills need a full explanation. Our lessons show every step, with practice problems and answers. Middle school topics are on the Pre-Algebra Index, and grade 8 algebra is on the Algebra 1 Index. Start with Fractions or Percentages if those are the trouble spots.
Frequently asked questions
What math do middle schoolers learn?
Grades 6 to 8 cover ratios, percents, negative numbers, expressions, equations, basic geometry and, by grade 8, linear functions.
How can I help my child who is behind in math?
Find the specific skill they’re missing, then practice it a little each day with a workbook at the right level.
Are workbooks enough to learn math?
They’re best for practice. Pair them with a clear explanation, such as a teacher or a step-by-step lesson.
More math book guides
- Best Math Books for Elementary Students
- Best Math Books for High School Students
- Best Math Books for College Students
See every pick in one place on Math Book Resources.