David E. McAdams is a lifelong learner and educator who transitioned from a 35-year software development career to focus on math education. His passion lies in demystifying mathematical language and concepts for students of all ages.
About the Author
Author • Educator • Math Visionary
David E. McAdams is a retired software engineer, educator, and author whose work bridges the worlds of logic and imagination, precision and play. A deep believer in the power of words to unlock understanding, David recognized early in his teaching career that one of the greatest barriers to math comprehension was not the complexity of the subject, but the inaccessibility of its language. Students weren’t failing math; they were being failed by vocabulary.
With the heart of a teacher and the discipline of a craftsman, David set out on what would become a ten-year journey: to create a complete, student-friendly resource that explained math terms clearly, accurately, and visually. The result was the All Math Words Dictionary, a groundbreaking reference for middle school and high school students with over 3,000 meticulously defined terms and nearly 800 original illustrations. More than just a dictionary, it became a lifeline for students, a guide for parents, and a treasure trove for teachers looking to demystify the language of mathematics.
David’s dedication didn’t stop there. He is the author of numerous educational books for young learners, including Parrot Colors, Swing Sets (Set Theory), What is Bigger Than Anything? (Infinity), My Favorite Fractals, and Numbers — all designed to introduce abstract ideas through play, rhythm, and vibrant imagery. His work often weaves together storytelling and mathematical insight, helping children not only learn but feel the wonder of numbers and patterns.
In addition to writing, David has restored rare texts, translated educational materials into multiple languages—including Bengali and Somali, and developed visual learning aids such as the Geometric Nets Project Book. He is also the creator of whimsical and philosophical books like One Penny, Two, which blend fantasy with mathematical paradox to captivate curious minds.
Whether writing about dragons, deep-sea creatures, or the mysteries of prime numbers, David’s work reflects a singular vision: that learning should be joyful, curious, inclusive, and deeply human. He delights in the company of his children and grandchildren, draws strength from nature and logic, and continues to write, create, and inspire.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make math beautiful, you’ll find your answer somewhere in the pages of David E. McAdams.