The Big Book of Pi: The Famous Number You Can Never Know

Gr 4-8–This book takes readers on a journey through the discovery and evolution of one of the most intriguing numbers in history. From the ancient Egyptians and ­Mayans to mathematicians like ­Archimedes and Srinivasa Ramanujan, readers meet the global thinkers who helped shape our understanding of this infinite, irrational number. Along the way, they learn what Pi is, how it’s used, and the many calculations that depend on it. Pi jokes, paradoxes, and challenges, such as finding your birthday digits in Pi or solving pizza-cutting puzzles, keep abstract ideas fun and concrete. The artwork, rendered in blue, orange, and yellow tones, fills each page with energy, blending diagrams and cartoons into a cohesive, graphic layout that draws readers in. The result is dynamic yet orderly, giving the book an approachable and friendly tone. Though it includes reference tools like a table of contents and glossary, this title reads best from start to finish as an entertaining narrative rather than a study guide.