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The Numbers Race
How Shakuntala Devi's Mathematical Mind Zoomed Around the World
Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
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Table of Contents
About the Book
This upbeat and accessible picture book biography makes math fun with the true story of record-breaking Indian mathematician Shakuntala Devi taking on the world’s toughest math problems.
Little Shakuntala loved to race all over her small town, against her siblings and cousins—and even chickens! But she wasn’t just speedy on her feet. She raced against numbers in her mind. Shakuntala would count up all the animals at her father’s circus, multiply the times her mother flipped the dough for dosas, and solve her older brother’s long division in her head!
As she grew up, Shakuntala zipped all around the world performing her mathematic magic, racing against professors, the clock—and even a computer! This fast-paced true story celebrates women and girls in STEM and makes solving math problems become the most amazing race you’ve ever watched.
Little Shakuntala loved to race all over her small town, against her siblings and cousins—and even chickens! But she wasn’t just speedy on her feet. She raced against numbers in her mind. Shakuntala would count up all the animals at her father’s circus, multiply the times her mother flipped the dough for dosas, and solve her older brother’s long division in her head!
As she grew up, Shakuntala zipped all around the world performing her mathematic magic, racing against professors, the clock—and even a computer! This fast-paced true story celebrates women and girls in STEM and makes solving math problems become the most amazing race you’ve ever watched.
About the Author
Photograph by Alain Milotti
Dr. Rekha S. Rajan is a musician, classically trained opera singer, and the USA TODAY bestselling author of over fifteen books for kids and adults, including the This Is Music board book series, Can You Dance Like a Peacock?, Amazing Landmarks, That Swingin’ Sound!, and The Numbers Race. She has a doctorate and a master’s in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a master’s in education from Roosevelt University, where she also received a bachelor’s degree in music. Rekha lives in Chicago with her husband and children. Learn more at RekhaSRajan.com.
About the Illustrator
Chaaya Prabhat is a graphic designer, illustrator, and lettering artist from Chennai, India. She received her master’s in graphic design from Savannah College of Art and Design and now works on picture books, covers, and digital illustration projects. Her books include Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra, Glitter Everywhere! by Chris Barton, A Taste of Honey by Rebecca Sheir, and The Numbers Race by Rekha S. Rajan. Chaaya now lives in Goa, India. Learn more at ChaayaPrabhat.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (October 27, 2026)
- Length: 48 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665957069
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
[J]ewel-toned, river-like flows of numbers and images explode across the pages, and Shakuntala’s vivacity is clear as she ages through the engaging story. Readers won’t be able to help but adore Shakuntala.
– Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB), 10/1/26
In snappy prose complemented by expressive illustrations, Rajan and Prabhat capture Shakuntala’s experience with sharp clarity and will leave readers impressed and inspired.
– Booklist, 10/7/26
This engaging biography of an extraordinary Indian woman provides strong STEAM connections for classroom use and encourages children to feel pride in their own innate skills.
– School Library Journal, 8/1/26
Inspirational, for any number of reasons.
– Kirkus Reviews, July 15th Issue
Awards and Honors
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Numbers Race
Fixed Layout eBook 9781665957069
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Author Photo (jpg): Rekha S Rajan Photograph by Alain Milotti(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
