15 Books That Will Spark the Love of Science in Young Readers
Science is sometimes tricky with readers, especially younger ones who are swayed to pick up a fantasy book, rather than a STEM title. But we want to change all that for girls and boys who are intrigued by space travel, glass beakers, and lab experiments. Encouraging children and young adults to explore the sciences should always be a priority.
So for our next book list, we would love to inspire readers to pick up these science-themed books!
A Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem: A Dastardly Plot by Christopher Healy
Ages: 8-12 years
As New York City prepares for the 1883 World's Fair, Molly wants nothing more than her mother, Cassandra Pepper, an unknown inventor, to be accepted into the fair and to showcase her latest inventions. Unfortunately, a male creator is given the opportunity instead. But as Molly and Cassandra devise a scheme to break into the Inventory's Guild, Molly uncovers a devious plan that will destroy New York and the opening ceremonies.
Edison Beaker, Creature Seeker: The Night Door by Frank Cammuso
Ages: 8-12 years
As Edison Beaker and his young sister Tesla visit their uncle Earl, manager of the family-run pest control company, they’re taken on a mayhem-filled service call. But the tables turn on the siblings when they’re the ones who are chased by creatures that escaped through a secret Night Door.
Ages: 8-11 years
Join Dethbert Jones in his blamstastic space adventures with his robot best friend, Andi Social! Misadventures abound but Dethbert's curiosity and enthusiasm can't be crushed. Not by anything in this galaxy, anyway!
Start Now! You Can Make a Difference by Chelsea Clinton
Ages: 7-10 years
How can children make a difference in our society? How can they save the rain forest or the endangered animals? Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Bill and Hilary Clinton, offers up fun facts, stories, and tips on how children can change the world around them.
Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Ages: 9-12 years
Max Einstein, who hacks into the NYU’s computer system so she can attend college and builds her own inventions, is recruited by an organization wanting to solve the world's problems by using science. As she receives help from a group of young geniuses, they devise plans to power the most distant reaches of the planet before The Corporation beats them to it.
Monstrous Devices by Damien Love
Age Range: 8-12 years
Odd events start popping up when Alex receives a mysterious package that contains an old tin robot from his grandfather. When things go wrong, his grandfather arrives and introduces him to a hidden and ancient family feud. The two must travel across Europe and uncover the riddle of the robot and outsmart the assassins on their trail.
Sanity and Tallulah by Molly Brooks
Ages: 8-11 years
Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega have become fast friends on the space station, Wilnick. Sanity can't wait to show off her latest creation, a three-headed kitten. But once escaping, the kitten causes mayhem on the station. The best friends will need find Sanity's invention before it's too late.
Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes
Ages: 8-12 years
In Gene Luen Yang's newest entertaining series, Hopper and her friend Eni attend Stately Academy, a school ripe with mysteries just waiting to be solved. No matter what it takes, the duo will solve each and every mystery.
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson
Ages: 8-12 years
The human race has fled to Mars after Earth’s destruction. But this trip is a temporary solution though. What’s left of our society must find a new home with the help from Liam Saunders-Chang’s parents, who try to create new technology that’ll do just that. Liam and his friend Phoebe will be the last humans to depart Mars before it’s destroyed. But the two reveal discoveries that will change everything.
See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng
Ages: 10-13 years
Space-obsessed Alex Petroski along with his dog, Carl, Sagan, named after his hero, takes a journey across the world and records it on his iPod so he can show other lifeforms what life means on Earth. Along the way, he finds out secrets he never thought he'd find.
The Friendship Experiment by Erin Teagan
Ages: 10-12 years
Since her grandfather died, and her friend switched schools, Madeline Little feels like nothing has turned out right. She'd rather assist her dad in the laboratory than go to middle school. But as she thinks her life is turning around, things go amiss. This future scientist wonders if she'll find a formula that will set everything straight.
Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko
Ages: 9-12 years
In the Gilded Age, Lizzie Kennedy dreams of science and wishes to take house call with her physician father. But during a visit, she discovers a hidden truth that will change 1900 San Francisco forever. But people, including her father, want to deny the plague has reached their beloved city. Lizzie along with Noah must race against time to save their loved ones.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Ages: 8-11
A robot named Roz discovers she's alone on a remote island and is not sure of where she came from or why she's there. She must learn how to survive in her hostile surroundings. As she takes care of an orphaned gosling, the wild animals that once shunned her now offer to help. But the robot's past come back torment her.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
Ages: 10-13 years
In this New York Times bestseller, Women in Science spotlights the contributions and accomplishments of fifty pioneer women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Well-known and beloved pioneers like Jane Goodall and Katherine Johnson are highlighted.
Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans by Russell Ginns
Ages: 8-12 years
In this round-the-world adventure, Sam Spinner and her brother Nipper discover their uncle Paul has disappeared and left them secret messages and clues to follow. One item in particular, the rusty red umbrella with a tag saying she must watch out for the RAIN, which is coming for them, will help the siblings find their uncle.