Are you a total newb who thinks Raspberry Pi is a wickedly good dessert? The concept is simple, but it’s not something you eat.
The best Raspberry Pi books are easy to follow, well-written, and loaded with tips and tricks.
On the other hand, a so-so Raspberry Pi user guide is either written above your head or talks down to you. It also lacks practical applications.
To help you find the most useful book for you, we reviewed the Top 5 Best Raspberry Pi Book of 2023.
Buy with confidence knowing which book is the ideal choice for your skillset (plus lots of fun Raspberry Pi projects).
Top 5 Best Raspberry Pi Book
Raspberry Pi for Dummies – Best Overall
- McManus, Sean (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 512 Pages - 09/12/2017 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)
Don’t let the title, “Raspberry Pi for Dummies,” fool you. It is a comprehensive guide to all things Raspberry Pi, including programming the Raspberry Pi with Python and Scratch.
For our money, it’s one of the best books out there, whether you need Pi books for beginners or you’re a seasoned pro. We consider this one as the reference you want on your shelves, no matter how experienced you are with Raspberry Pi.
The book includes real-world examples, such as making music, using LEDs, building home automation projects, or interacting with your DIY drone. We also loved the gaming applications, with platforms such as Minecraft.
You’ll learn how to connect your Raspberry Pi to a computer, dabble in another operating system, such as the open-source Linux. You’ll also get a taste of the possibilities of the internet of things (IoT). Highly recommended.
Check Price- Real-world projects
- Scratch programming
- Thorough coverage
- Gaming applications
- Excellent for beginners
- Some unuseful material
- Repetitive in places
Official Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide – Premium Choice
- Gareth Halfacre (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 241 Pages - 12/10/2018 (Publication Date) - Raspberry Pi Press (Publisher)
The “Official Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide” is, well, the official source. It walks you through everything you need to get started, from setting it up to interfacing to the real world with engaging projects.
It covers both software and hardware. It’s an excellent introduction to learning what Raspberry Pi can do and what components are compatible with it. You’ll learn a lot with this book with its engaging content.
On the downside, it is expensive because it’s so comprehensive, so you have to weigh that into account. However, it is well-written and includes some fun projects aimed at beginners.
It is easy to read with well-written step-by-step guides that land it squarely in the realm of the best books for beginners 2021, especially since it covers Raspberry Pi 4.
A worthwhile investment no matter what your experience level.
Check Price- Official source
- Easy to understand
- Cool projects
- Well-written
- Programming skills emphasis
- Expensive
- No Kindle edition
Adventures in Raspberry Pi – Great Value
- Philbin, Carrie Anne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 07/12/2017 (Publication Date) - Wiley (Publisher)
“Adventures in Raspberry Pi” is geared toward children in grades 4–6. However, adults who are new to this computer will also have fun exploring Raspberry Pi with this book.
The emphasis of this guide is to learn how enjoyable programming is with entertaining projects. Readers will also delve into coding with Scratch and Python. Of course, it has to include games and music, too.
It underscores the value of Raspberry Pi and its place in STEM education. We think it is one of the best Raspberry Pi books for children to get their feet wet.
The instructions for the projects are clearly written, with helpful tips and advice that make it easy to read.
The examples are well-chosen that will engage children. That makes it invaluable. The book also provides an excellent introduction to using other hardware and accessories, including Arduino.
A great learning tool.
Check Price- Affordably priced
- Excellent for the beginner
- STEM support
- Well-chosen examples
- Engaging content
- Geared more toward kids
- Limited use
Raspberry Pi Cookbook
- Monk, Simon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 510 Pages - 06/28/2016 (Publication Date) - O'Reilly Media (Publisher)
The “Raspberry Pi Cookbook” gets you started at the very beginning of buying a Raspberry Pi computer. If you want advice from Day One, it is the book for you. After all, there are several models available.
Each Raspberry Pi computer does different things and comes in at varying price points, whether you want a Raspberry Pi 3 or the latest version with the new Raspberry Pi. It’s a first-rate tome on all versions of the computer.
There are two chapters devoted to Python that start from beginner tasks and move into advanced applications with Arduino and other software development options.
You’ll learn how to use the Linux operating system with your device or your Android-powered tablet. The book is an excellent addition to the library of anyone who wants to make Raspberry Pi more than just a casual hobby. Comprehensive resource.
Check Price- Comprehensive content
- Advanced topics
- Extensive Arduino discussion
- Thorough how-to examples
- Wide coverage of applications
- Not as readable as other options
- Geared more toward the advanced user
Programming the Raspberry Pi
- Monk, Simon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 208 Pages - 10/05/2015 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill TAB (Publisher)
“Programming the Raspberry Pi” is a great choice if you want to take your programming skills to the next level. It provides an extensive overview of both hardware and software.
It also covers basics, such as Arduino programming to build your skillset even further. As the title suggests, that is the focus of this book, particularly Python. The code examples are top-notch and a simple gateway to learning more for your projects.
The author is well-acquainted with other options, such as Arduino. He brings that same first-rate instruction with this book. It offers a top-notch intro into Python and using Linux as an operating system.
It finishes with a thorough list of resources for topics like Arduino that make this book worth the price. Don’t let the title keep you from looking at this book. The content is accessible even for someone new to the device. An invaluable reference.
Check Price- Excellent Python programming examples
- Easy to read
- Accessible introduction into projects
- Good choice for a beginner
- Useful resource list
- No Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 coverage
- Few Raspberry Pi projects
FAQs
What Should You Look for in a Raspberry Pi Book?
The first thing to consider is your skill level. A book for individuals new to the device won’t get the same usefulness as a reference tome. Let’s face it. You can find tutorials to get you started. What makes these guides valuable is for the projects you want to do down the road.
What Programming Languages Should You Know?
Many books focus on the easiest and most accessible languages, such as Python. If you’re new to coding, one that includes some basics and examples is an invaluable resource.
Conclusion
“Raspberry Pi for Dummies” is another outstanding example from this publisher of the so-called dummies book. It’s an easy read that will make programming feel less intimidating for individuals new to Pi Raspberry. This guide is chock full of ideas for creating your own Raspberry Pi projects.
The “Official Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide” is one of the most thorough Pi books for beginners to pros. It’s like having a tutor walk you through the process to get started with Raspberry Pi hardware.
“Adventures in Raspberry Pi” focuses on the beginner programmer. However, it does it in a user-friendly way that makes kids want to learn more about Raspberry Pi. We liked that it gives the reader a sense of accomplishment as they complete the projects.
Our last two picks both make priceless additions to your library. After all, you can’t just have just one book when you’re into a subject like Raspberry Pi or Arduino. We recommend both as invaluable resources to accompany you on your journey into this state-of-the-art technology.
