Math Competition Book Recommendations
Choosing the right book can help children strengthen their mathematical foundations, develop problem-solving skills, and prepare for math competitions.
This collection includes resources for both elementary school (Grades K–5) and middle school (Grades 6–8) students. Some books focus on foundational concepts, while others offer more challenging competition-style problems.
How to choose: Start with your child's current skill level, not just their grade. Elementary students can begin with foundational books and gradually move to more challenging problems. Middle-school students with strong foundations can explore more advanced problem-solving, algebra, geometry, and competition preparation books.
Looking for a practice plan? Visit How to Prepare for Math Competitions.
Explore math competition pathways by grade or browse math competitions.
Competition Book Recommendations
A good book should offer problems just beyond a student's comfort zone, clear explanations, and room to try more than one strategy. Start with one resource and adjust the difficulty as confidence grows.
Elementary School Math Competition Books (Grades K-5)
Mastering Essential Math Skills: Whole Numbers And Integers
by Richard W Fisher
Build a strong foundation in whole-number operations and develop essential number skills.
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Mastering Essential Math Skills: PROBLEM SOLVING
by Richard W Fisher
Develop logical thinking and learn strategies for solving mathematical word problems.
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Mastering Essential Math Skills: DECIMALS and PERCENTS
by Richard W Fisher
Strengthen understanding of decimals, percentages, and their practical applications.
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Mastering Essential Math Skills: FRACTIONS
by Richard W Fisher
Build confidence in understanding and working with fractions.
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Mastering Essential Math Skills: Algebra
by Richard W Fisher
Learn algebra concepts and develop early algebra skills.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Word Problems
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Develop skills in understanding problems, identifying relevant information, and choosing
appropriate solution strategies.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Operations
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Practice arithmetic operations and strengthen calculation skills.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Arithmetic
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Strengthen arithmetic skills through focused problem practice.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Combinatorics
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Explore counting and introductory combinatorics problems when ready for additional challenges.
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MATH OLYMPIAD CONTESTS PREPARATION
by American Math Academy
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Middle School Math Competition Books (Grades 6–8)
Mastering Essential Math Skills: GEOMETRY
by Richard W Fisher
Explore geometry fundamentals, including shapes, angles, and spatial reasoning.
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Mastering Essential Math Skills: Pre Algebra
by Richard W Fisher
Strengthen foundational skills in expressions, equations, and other pre-algebra concepts.
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Mastering Essential Math Skills: Algebra
by Richard W Fisher
Build on foundational math knowledge and practice more advanced algebraic concepts.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Word Problems
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Work on more challenging word problems and develop flexible problem-solving strategies.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Geometry
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Strength geomtery knowledge and apply it to mathematical problems.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Combinatorics and Probability
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Explore more challenging counting and probability problems.
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Competitive Mathematics for Gifted Students : Practice Arithmetic and Number Theory
by Cleo Borac, Silviu Borac
Develop stronger arithmetic skills and explore number theory concepts.
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Art of Problem Solving Series Prealgebra : Textbook and Solutions Manual
by Richard Rusczyk, David Patrick, Ravi Boppana
A possible starting point for students ready to move beyond routine arithmetic and explore deeper mathematical reasoning.
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Art of Problem Solving Series Intermediate Algebra : Textbook and Solutions Manual
by Richard Rusczyk, Mathew Crawford
For students with sufficient algebra foundation who are ready for more advanced material.
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Art of Problem Solving Series Geometry : Textbook and Solutions Manual
by Richard Rusczyk
For students ready to explore geometry in greater depth.
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Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads
by Evan Chen
A specialized resource for students with strong geometry foundations who want to explore
advanced olympiad-style problems.
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Competition Math: for Middle School
by J. Batterson
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Math Olympiad Academy: AMC 8 Prep Guide
by Katherine Whitemore
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