25 of the Best Books about STEM for Children

STEM subjects are a crucial part children’s education whilst growing up, however, when they are at such a young age it can be hard to know how to introduce STEM to your children at home. It is never too early to ignite your young scientist’s curiosity, creativity and interest in STEM and this learning can be done through reading, drawing, playing and building using these books – it could even inspire them to study these subjects and pursue a career in STEM in the future!

Space Explorers: 25 Extraordinary Stories of Space Exploration and Adventure

Do you know the true story of …

*The first astronauts to land on the moon and were nearly stranded there for ever, if it hadn’t been for a felt tip pen that saved them?
*The ‘human computers’ that launched NASA’s first rockets into space?
*The astronaut that trained to go to space by living in underground caves and completing underwater missions?

Humans have always been fascinated by the universe, but only a few have been daring enough to travel beyond the Earth.

From venturing into space for the first time to building the International Space Station in orbit, the history of space exploration is filled with peril, bravery and strokes of genius. In this beautifully illustrated anthology, spaceflight expert, Libby Jackson, reveals the very best true stories of humankind’s thrilling journey to the stars.

Grab your space suit and jump aboard – it’s time for an astronomical adventure!

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

If you’ve ever felt different, if you’ve ever been low, if you don’t quite fit in, there’s a name you should know…Meet Dr. Temple Grandin―one of the world’s quirkiest science heroes!

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent ground=breaking improvements for farms around the globe!

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colourful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good.

They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “coloured computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.

Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids

Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it’s like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world’s most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena Auñón-Chancellor-all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.

– Through hands-on STEM projects such as designing and building space rovers, rockets, and even a model of the International Space Station using inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies, kids gain critical thinking skills just like the ones necessary to succeed in space.

– Essential questions, cool facts about female scientists, and links to online resources all reinforce high-level learning.

– Using a fun narrative style, engaging illustrations combined with photography, fascinating facts, essential questions, and hands-on projects, this book deepens readers’ creative thinking skills.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it’s true, many of them do. But Paul Erdos never followed the usual path.

At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn’t learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he travelled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications.

With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made “Uncle Paul” a great man.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson put Astronauts on the Moon

Katherine Johnson is the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible and made sure that Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger.

The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

Meet Raye Montague―the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy!

After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.

The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colourful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!

Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code

“If you’ve got a good idea, and you know it’s going to work, go ahead and do it.”‍

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The inspiring story of Grace Hopper—the boundary-breaking woman who revolutionized computer science—is told told in an engaging picture book biography.

Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.”

Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys. With a wealth of witty quotes, and richly detailed illustrations, this book brings Hopper’s incredible accomplishments to life.

Getting Started with Engineering : Think Like an Engineer

Does your kid’s love of ‘tinkering’ resemble that of a budding Thomas Edison? Then Getting Started with Engineering is guaranteed to spark their fascination! The focused, easy-to-complete projects offered inside are designed to broaden their understanding of basic engineering principles, challenge their problem-solving skills, and sharpen their creativity—all while having fun along the way.

Engineers are experts on how things work—and this book is your youngster’s best first step to developing the skills they need to think, design, and build things like the pros. The projects they’ll complete feature a fun twist that appeal to their age group—from a tiny model roller coaster to a wearable toy that includes an electronic circuit—and the instructions are written in an easy-to-follow manner, making it possible for them to experience the pride and accomplishment of working independently.

The Book of Big Science Ideas

A fact packed celebration of science from the clever people who bring you AQUILA magazine. The Book of Big Science Ideas introduces young readers, aged 8 and up, to 15 brilliant science ideas and more than 50 ingenious thinkers who have helped shape our understanding of the world.

What is everything made of? What is our place in space? Can machines think? And why does your hat come hurtling back down after you’ve chucked it into the air? This book has the answers!

Readers will learn all about established ideas such as atoms, electricity and the solar system, as well as ideas that are still evolving such as gravity, energy and classification, right up to recent discoveries like AI and genetics.

Engineer Academy: Space

Assemble a launch pad, build a rocket, and go on a hands-on adventure around our solar system and beyond!

This is no ordinary maker kit. It contains everything kids need to assemble a launch pad for a model three-stage rocket, as well as build the rocket and planets of our solar system. As construction begins, young engineers in training can read along in the accompanying 64-page science activity book to test theories, perform experiments, and learn all about gravity, the Law of Motion, orbital velocity, and more as they relate to the space models.

Focusing on STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way, this kit is a great option for an upcoming science fair or a quiet rainy day at home.

Little Inventors in Space: Inventing out of this World

Become an inventing supernova! This activity book is full of ideas to help you come up with new inventions that are out of this world.

How could you make living in orbit better? Invent the next space shuttle to reach the stars? Even plan your future life on Mars? There are no limits!

Find out about space sweepers, shooting star hunters, what it’s like to be an astronaut and many more cool facts about space. Draw your own inventions inspired by children just like you. You never know, you could also become a Little Inventor and have your invention made real.

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover

A stylishly illustrated non-fiction book about the search for life on Mars, told from the unique perspective of NASA’s Mars rover, Curiosity.

Discover the incredible story of the search for life on Mars, told from the unique perspective of Curiosity, the Mars Rover sent to explore the red planet. Markus Motum’s stylish illustrations and diagrams reveal how a robot travelled 350,000,000 miles to explore a planet where no human has ever been.

Space Science Collection (Space Science: Science For Surviving in Space)

Space Science is the ultimate series for the astronomers and astronauts of the future. It delves into loads of intriguing ‘how’, ‘what’, and ‘why’ facts about the night sky. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and use readily available materials that won’t break the bank! Authored by Mark Thompson – a brilliant astronomer and television and radio presenter – who brings a fresh approach to the exploration and understanding of the Solar System … and beyond!

Shooting for the Stars: My Journey to Become Ireland’s First Astronaut

Follow Norah as she brings you on a journey high above the earth and into space. You will learn about space travel, astronaut training and life without gravity. Norah will answer those all-important questions such as how long does it take to become an astronaut and where exactly astronauts go to the toilet?!

• Did you know that our sun is a star, just like all the stars we see at night?
• Did you know that, in space, the astronauts have to use special ropes to hold themselves down while running on the treadmill?

A fun and engaging book about space and becoming an astronaut but most importantly a book about following your dreams no matter how big!

Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry

America’s most celebrated astrophysicist invites young readers to explore the mysteries of the universe. Neil deGrasse Tyson has become one of the most recognisable and respected figures in science. In this adaptation of his The New York Times bestseller Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Tyson has for the first time served up the universe in a handy, portable package designed specifically for young readers.

From the difference between a star and a supernova to what matter and dark matter really are, Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry will turn young people into budding experts on the fundamental rules and unknowns of our universe. Along the way, Tyson’s characteristic wit ensures a journey packed with fun.

How Machines Work: Zoo Break!

How Machines Work is a unique book full of inspiring illustrations by award-winning artist David Macaulay and packed with interactive elements, including press-out models, pop-ups, and pull-outs. Sloth and his sidekick Sengi are two furry friends on hand to guide you through the book and break down the basics. They’ll give you the lowdown on levers, pulleys, screws, inclined planes, wedges, and wheels on this intrepid adventure. You’ll find out how all different technologies work, from bicycles, cranes, and drills to diggers, hammers, and zips.

Along the way, you’ll help Sloth and Sengi plot their daring escape from the zoo using only newfound scientific knowledge to make a machine designed for break outs and break always. But will they succeed? Grab this essential guide, get your brain in gear, and get set for engineering greatness.

Baby University Books

Help your future genius become the smartest baby in the room!

The Baby University board book series is the perfect way to introduce basic concepts to even the youngest scientists. Written by an expert, the baby university book’s are a simple introduction to STEM – If you’re looking for the perfect STEM book for teachers, science toys for babies, or STEM toys for kids, look no further!

Ada Twist Scientist

Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?”

Don’t miss Ada’s further adventures―with her friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere―in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first all-new chapter book starring The Questioneers!

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie Revere, Engineer, another charming, witty picture book about pursuing your passion. Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she’s a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer.

When her Great, Great Aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal–to fly–Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt’s dream come true. Her invention complete, Rosie attempts a test flight–but after a moment, the machine crashes to the ground. Discouraged, Rosie deems the invention a failure, but Aunt Rose insists that on the contrary, it was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit. Reassured, Rosie returns to her engineering and inspires her classmates to join in the fun.

Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World

Since 2012, the organization Girls Who Code has taught computing skills to and inspired over 40,000 girls across America. Now its founder, and author Brave Not Perfect, Reshma Saujani, wants to inspire you to be a girl who codes!

Bursting with dynamic artwork, down-to-earth explanations of coding principles, and real-life stories of girls and women working at places like Pixar and NASA, this graphically animated book shows what a huge role computer science plays in our lives and how much fun it can be.

No matter your interest–sports, the arts, baking, student government, social justice–coding can help you do what you love and make your dreams come true. Whether you’re a girl who’s never coded before, a girl who codes, or a parent raising one, this entertaining book, printed in bold two-color and featuring art on every page, will have you itching to create your own apps, games, and robots to make the world a better place.

What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z

What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z is an inspiring and easy-to-read alphabet picture book that teaches our next generation about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers.

This book provides colourful illustrations of six diverse children representing various STEM careers (i.e. astronauts, doctors, scientists, and engineers, etc), helping children (5 to 8 years old) see themselves in one of the STEM careers, and motivates them to shape their future through STEM!

A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space

From small steps to giant leaps, A Galaxy of Her Own tells fifty stories of inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space, from scientists to astronauts to some surprising roles in between.

From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century, to the women behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to those blazing the way in the race to get to Mars, A Galaxy of Her Own reveals extraordinary stories, champions unsung heroes and celebrates remarkable achievements from around the world.

Written by Libby Jackson, a leading UK expert in human space flight, and illustrated with bold and beautiful artwork from the students of London College of Communication, this is a book to delight and inspire trailblazers of all ages.

Coding for Kids Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities

Learning to code isn’t as hard as it sounds―you just have to get started! Coding for Kids: Python starts kids off right with 50 fun, interactive activities that teach them the basics of the Python programming language. From learning the essential building blocks of programming to creating their very own games, kids will progress through unique lessons packed with helpful examples-and a little silliness!

Kids will follow along by starting to code (and debug their code) step by step, seeing the results of their coding in real time. Activities at the end of each chapter help test their new knowledge by combining multiple concepts. For young programmers who really want to show off their creativity, there are extra tricky challenges to tackle after each chapter. All kids need to get started is a computer and this book.