I don't know of any books for you, but I think maths is something like this:
The conversion of situations into a numerical form is that logic may be more easily applied to discover truths and probabilities from it.
(Disclaimer: I just came up with that definition; it has no credibility)
Algebra is amazing, it allows us to create formulas, or instruction manuals, which can then be applied to any problem matching the conditions. Don't know how to calculate the volume of a sphere? v=(4/3)*pi*r^2 And as long the condition of v being the volume of a sphere and r being the radius of that sphere are met, this is a universal truth. How many subjects can offer that?
Math gives us this language that allows us to put problems in a different form, and then rearrange the problem until we find the solution. Imagine trying to run a society where there were no numbers, and no maths.
It is vital to our society.
Not only this, but developing mathematical skills develops our ability to use logic and analyse in other contexts as well.
The problems given in school can be mundane and boring, but they are trying to set the foundation and develop the skills so that if you so wish, you do incredible things.
Make incredible structures, learn about other universes, understand our own bodies, understand any governance system .... Maths is needed.
The more you build your mathematical skills, the stronger you make your foundation, the more opportunities open up to you.
The opportunities are more obvious now than ever in our tech driven world, but maths has held that place long before the first computer
....I'm definitely not a nerd