Home › Books for Ages 9–12 › Zero! the Number That Almost Wasn't
  • Zero! the Number That Almost Wasn't by Sarah Albee book cover
  • Zero! the Number That Almost Wasn't by Sarah Albee book cover
1 2

Zero! the Number That Almost Wasn't

by Sarah Albee

The long history of zero

$16.46 USD
$27.44 USD $16.46 USD
Save 40%

Hardcover New

Delivery to your door
In stock·Dispatches in 1–2 business days
Standard shipping* from $4.35
Standard shipping transit* 5–8 business days after dispatch

Faster options are available.

Rates and delivery estimates depend on your destination and item quantity. Estimates are informational only; the final shipping method and rate are selected at checkout.
Secure checkout
American Express Apple Pay DiscoverGoogle Pay Mastercard PayPalVisa
30-day eligible returns Returns & refunds policy

AlbakiReads Editorial

The long history of zero

How did people do mathematics before zero? Sarah Albee’s nonfiction account traces the number’s development, from its role in place value to the obstacles that complicated its emergence. The history also considers Western imperialism as part of the forces shaping zero’s path. By connecting a basic mathematical idea with the broader circumstances of its creation and re-creation, the book gives young readers a historical lens on a number central to mathematics today.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 interested in mathematics and its history
  • Young readers who enjoy STEM nonfiction
  • Readers curious about how cultural and historical forces shape mathematical ideas

Themes

History of mathematicsZero and place valueCultural and imperial influences on knowledge

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

How did math work before zero existed? A STEM nonfiction book that unpacks a fascinating history of a number we can't imagine our current world without.

From place value to being created and destroyed before being created again, zero has had quite a journey. Respected children's author and consummate researcher Sarah Albee lays out the history of zero alongside the complications that initially hampered its development, including Western imperialism.

A riveting nonfiction kids book with a playful feel, Zero! unravels a complicated history in tremendous detail.
Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

You may also like

View all
Art of War by Sun Tzu book cover

Art of War

by Tzu, Sun

Paperback

$15.83 USD $26.39 USD