Maths for youngsters

[FredPuli43]

Could post this under books but this seems better. Very bright 13 year old, already being sent on advanced maths courses for her age by her school in Canada, which thinks thinks she benefits from being streamed with the most able. Now, I want to get her a book on maths. When I was that age, there were books which introduced you to intriguing or practical maths problems ; the map and colours problem, or that one about crossing a series of bridges only once, for example. The ones I remember were amusingly written and progressed from simple questions about say, probability, to quite advanced stuff.
Any ideas? What books got you interested in maths ?

[Buenchico]

My degree is in 'Mathematics as a Double Subject', and I've taught Maths to A-level, but most books on mathematics have failed to really grab my attention. However Darrell Huff's book on the use of statistics is exceptionally well-written and likely to be of interest to anyone interested in mathematics:
http://www.penguin.co...atistics_Darrell_Huff

However the best book for the age group you refer to is long out of print. It's David Bergamini's book on Mathematics which was published back in 1963 (in the 'Life Science' series, from Time Life books). Secondhand copies are available here:
http://www.abebooks.c...&sts=t&tn=Mathematics

Chris

[HowardKennitby]

FP

If you are looking at light-hearted books introducing mathematical puzzles as a way of getting into principles then I suggest you look for books by Martin Gardner.

[micmak]

Chris, with a maths degree, why are you out of work?

[boxtops]

micmak, sadly there are plenty of people with degrees in many useful subjects who are out of work these days - a degree is no guarantee of a job any more.

[Prudie]

I'd second Martin Gardner

[FredPuli43]

I remember Martin Gardner. Didn't he write several on mathematical puzzles and diversions?

I'll chase up the other suggestions too. I'd forgotten the Darrel Huff. I read How to Lie With Statistics many years ago. Still in print too, which is good to know .

Thanks.

[Jonathan-Joe]

Look for books by Ivan Moscovich, recreational maths and puzzles like those of Martin Gardner, but the presentation is perhaps more up to date. I found a few in The Works a while back.

[Jonathan-Joe]

Just searched Amazon - There's a whole series of Ivan Moscovich, "MasterMind Collection" http://www.amazon.co....lection/dp/1402727445

[factor-fiction]

Look for Professor Stewart on Amazon

[jake-the-peg]

I recommend this

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

There are 7 prizes with a $1 million bounty on their heads - one has been solved

This book explains them in a very approachable manner