Recommended AMC textbooks

Good preparation rests on two things: authentic past papers and a textbook that teaches the underlying ideas properly. The resources below are the ones we recommend for the second half of that equation. They are organised by the rung of the pathway they suit best, from a first AMC 8 foundation through to AIME-level study notes, with a wider problem-solving library to grow into. Each is built to strengthen the four core domains the AMC rewards — number theory, algebra, geometry and combinatorics — and several are bilingual (English with Chinese annotations) to support international students sitting English-language papers.

AMC 8 — building the foundation

Complete AMC 8 Pre-Study Guide

For students in grades 3–5. A step-by-step training series based on the AMC 8 syllabus, integrating AoPS classic topics with real AMC 8 problems to take a student all the way from basic math concepts to competition strategies. Presented as a bilingual edition (English & Chinese), with key terms and worked examples given in both languages.

• Modular knowledge architecture. Four core domains — number theory, algebra, geometry and combinatorics — presented with mind maps for easy conceptual understanding.
• Number theory module. Prime factorization, congruences and divisibility rules, with guided exercises such as “How to quickly determine if a number is prime?” to develop abstract thinking.
• Geometry module. From triangle area calculations to the Pythagorean theorem and similarity, extended to 3D shapes such as prisms and pyramids to build spatial reasoning.
• Socratic questioning approach. Follows the AoPS classic teaching methodology, prompting students to discover patterns — for example, uncovering prime factorization through guided questions.
• Stepwise training system. Basic practice (fraction simplification, integer operations) → integrated applications (geometry puzzles, probability models) → carefully selected real AMC 8 competition problems that highlight high-frequency mistakes and multiple solution strategies.

International Math Competition Guide (Beginner Level)

Paper edition only. Designed to bridge the gap to international math competitions, covering the essential topics of elementary number theory, algebra, geometry and combinatorics.

• Bilingual system. Every theory point, example and solution gives the English original text with Chinese annotations, building both mathematical understanding and competition English.
• Practice System 3.0. A problem library of classic and recent competition problems; a training chain that runs from targeted drills, through multi-topic integration, to full challenge; and a solution library offering multiple approaches to foster innovative problem-solving.
• Expert team. Developed by international math olympiad coaches and national-level textbook experts, drawing on over 10 years of competition problem data, problem-driven and inductive teaching methods, and accurate insight into AMC and international competition trends.

AMC 10, AMC 12 & AIME — systematic preparation

AMC 8/10/12 & AIME Complete Study Notes

A streamlined set of notes built to support systematic preparation across every level of the pathway, from AMC 8 up to the AIME.

• Modular knowledge mapping. Each chapter is optimised to clarify concepts, remove redundancies, correct errors and highlight the key points.
• Efficient learning mode. Knowledge points, worked examples, real problems and exercises, arranged from easy to challenging for step-by-step improvement.
• Integrated notes & exercise sets. Combining notes with problem sets improves daily practice efficiency and accelerates exam preparation.

All levels — platforms & wider problem-solving

AMC M-Powered Platform

Curriculum inspirations developed by James Tanton, showing practical ways to engage students in mathematical exploration using AMC 8/10/12 problems. Open to students, teachers, parents and the wider AMC community.

• Inquiry-based learning. Focuses on understanding, memory and critical thinking through interactive projects and virtual activities.
• Ten problem-solving strategies aligned with classroom and AMC success standards, supported by abundant practice examples categorised by strategy and core topic.

The Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)

The wider library most serious competitors grow into. AoPS develops materials for top students in grades 2–12, building the skills needed for leading universities and prestigious math competitions.

• AoPS Online Community. More than 360,000 members worldwide.
• AoPS Online School. Provides tools for success in advanced math competitions and rigorous academic programs.

Pair your reading with past papers

A textbook teaches the ideas; past papers prove you can use them under time pressure. Once you have worked through the relevant book above, sit genuine papers with official answer keys from our AMC past-papers library — it is the most reliable complement to any of these resources and the fastest way to turn study into a score.