50 Great STEM Books for Kids - Data Science Degree Programs Guide

Among themost beneficial books for young and growing minds are STEM books for kids. STEM stands for:

science
technology
engineering
mathematics

So important are these subjects today that they are the precise focus of entire academic institutions, educational policies, scholarships, internships, professional advancements, and more.

While books of all kinds in general can truly help kids along in various academic aligns, STEM learning has emerged as a top priority for this and the coming generations. What could be better for your child’s future and their ability to seamlessly adapt to it than some great children’s STEM books?

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Cool chemistry books for kids. Gadget and tech pieces. Engaging and fun books about math for kids. These are 50 of today’s top STEM books for children.

1001 Inventions and Awesome Facts from Muslim Civilization

National Geographic

The world of Islam is an ancient and interesting one. There have been many inventions and technological advances attributed to Muslims. This National Geographic edition looks deep inside the history of Islam and the many interesting and progressive ideas and wares to come from this culture.

Ada Byron Lovelace & the Thinking Machine

Laurie Wallmark

The poet Lord Byron’s daughter, Ada Byron Lovelace, was a brilliant thinker. She created the very first instance of working computer programming. This book tells the story of a fateful run-in between the maker of the world’s first mechanical computer and the brilliance of Lovelace. What happened next is now important technological history for the ages.

There’s Something in the Water! – Marine Biology for Kids

Baby Professor

Baby Professor is a renowned series of colorful and effective children’s educational books. In this great biology book for kids, Baby Professor gives the little ones a beautiful introduction to our world of oceans and seas. They will easily and quickly learn about various forms of marine life, tide and water patterns, and ultimately, the entirety of an indispensable ecosystem.

Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids

Jerome Pohlen

Albert Einstein was an important figure in a number of sciences and disciplines of which the world has come to depend on. Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids is an awesome platform kids can use to learn about Einstein’s life and accomplishments in science. In addition to simple text, this selection includes 21 fun-filled activities to help remember the concepts nearest and dearest to the mathematical genius.

Bill Nye the Science Guy’s Big Blast of Science

Bill Nye

Bill Nye is a science guru and pop culture personality with a talent for teaching science to kids in a fun and memorable way. His book, Bill Nye the Science Guy’s Big Blast of Science continues his unique, friendly teaching method. Specializing in no single area, this book covers everything from quarks and quasars to the science behind a hot air balloon, and more.

Human Anatomy in Full Color

John Green

Human Anatomy in Full Color, by author John Green, is a marvelous exploration of of human anatomy. For children and adults alike, the welcoming illustration style utilized by Green provides a great doorway into understanding how all of the body’s various parts work together and as individual centers. Illustration captions come courtesy of the expertise of Dr. John W. Harcup.

Genetic Engineering: Science, Technology, Engineering

Michael Burgan

Genetic engineering is an emerging and potentially world-changing technology. This particular great among technology books for kids introduces the whole idea as well as the basics as to how it all works. Explained in a way younger minds can understand, genetics and our ability to work with them is appropriately covered.

The Industrial Revolution for Kids: The People and Technology That Changed the World

Cheryl Mullenbach

The Industrial Revolution spelled an immeasurable change for the future of the entire world. Electricity, machinery, vehicles, and a whole new world of ability blossomed in a very short period. This is author Cheryl Mullenbach’s excellent rendition and colorfully animated telling of the story of the revolution, perfect for young learners.

Math Fables: Lessons That Count

Greg Tang

Greg Tang is a celebrated author and math visionary. Math Fables: Lessons That Count is one of his many products and a top choice in math books for kids as a whole. Here, children will learn “what really counts” – basic number use, addition, and subtraction in a whole new and easily understood platform. Tang’s use of color, symbols, and other fun animations completes this introductory math great for kids.

Ancient Machines: From Wedges to Waterwheels

Michael Woods and Mary B. Woods

Regardless of how advanced we get today, science is still learning and marveling about history’s past advances. Ancient Machines: From Wedges to Waterwheels, by Michael and Mary Woods, is a fascinating tale of such past accomplishments. For young and older minds alike, this great includes valuable information in history, technology, engineering, and how the ancients brilliantly utilized such concepts.

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It

JoAnn Deak Ph.D.

This colorful piece by Dr. JoAnn Deak Ph.D. is an empowering nod to the power of self-drive and determination. Learn about the awesome ability of the brain to take on whatever assignments given it. Trying new things, gaining experience, and pursuing knowledge wherever it offers distinct value are some of the included, empowering concepts instilled at a child’s level in this inspiring selection.

Engineering the City: How Infrastructure Works, Projects and Principles for Beginners

Matthys Levy and Richard Panchyk

When viewed in infrastructural terms, cities and other dense areas of civilization can become fascinatingly complex. This is the kid-friendly telling of how it all works. Aside from simple reading though, games, diagrams, pictures, and even experiments get the reader involved in understanding and even modeling some of the very concepts these mass areas of civilization depend on each and every day.

Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World

Rachel Swaby

Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World is a fantastic ode to 33 important women in STEM throughout history. Have you heard of the names Florence Nightingale, Ada Lovelace, or Sally Ride? As it turns out, without the breakthroughs shown the world by these brilliant minds, many lives would have perished, and our lives today would be very different and void of some very important tools and concepts.

The Most Magnificent Thing

Ashley Spires

Ashley Spires is an award-winning author and illustrator. The Most Magnificent Thing is arguably one of her greatest products, teaching of the power of perseverance when frustrations can get the best of us all. Here, a little girl and her zany pet dog are on a mission to create the most magnificent invention ever. As obstacles arise, she gets upset, walks away, and later comes back with a fresh mind, eventually creating the most magnificent thing.

Who Was Charles Darwin?

Deborah Hopkinson

Charles Darwin was an evolutionary scientist and an equally revolutionary thinker. As a child, he was not the best student, but his natural curiosity blossomed and ultimately led him to timeless greatness in the scientific community. This is author Deborah Hopkinson’s colorful tale of an amazingly important figure, his life, ideas, and accomplishments.

Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer

Diane Stanley

Bride of Science, Poet of Science – these are just a few of the names given to scientific great, Ada Lovelace over the years. Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer is the child-friendly rendition of her life and pioneering accomplishments. Indeed, as you’ll learn, she was the first computer programmer, and a brilliant thinker alike.

National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space

Catherine D. Hughes

As one might expect, National Geographic hits our list again, this time with the children’s great, National Geographic Kids First Big Book of Space. For the child specifically interested in space, this is a must. Learn about planets, basic space physics, and more in this visually-marvelous learning tool for kids interested in space.

Tiny Stitches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas

Gwendolyn Hooks

Some of the very first and most important concepts in heart surgery came from African American scientist, medical pioneer, and entrepreneur, Vivien Thomas. Despite obstacles like the Great Depression and segregation at the time, Thomas was able to become a part of medical history. This is his inspiring story.

Technology: Feats and Failures

Stephanie Paris

Technology: Feats and Failures is an awesome, teacher-created material published by TIME For kids. Within its pages, the young reader will find a great volume of individual stories of technology and engineering in lesson-filled and victorious as well as less-than-glorious states. Intriguing facts, charts, graphs, pictures, and text await the reader in this one.

Women in Biology | A Science Book For Kids!

Mary Wissinger

Women in Biology | A Science Book For Kids! is a unique twist on the imparting of science fact to kids via books. Here, author Mary Wissinger takes us on a hybrid, fiction/non-fiction path, explaining the world of biology as well as covering important female contributions therein. Follow along as our inquisitive young narrator ponders the tale of biology, reflecting on factual bits to tell the story along the way in this highly original approach.

Math-terpieces

Greg Tang

On our list again is celebrated writer and mathematician, Greg Tang, with his great, Math-terpieces. In Math-terpieces, Tang discloses the very most important patterns all children should realize in the journey to mathematical success. In easily digested form, Tang explains using subtraction for addition, using number combinations, and plenty more, providing a valuable foundation for any child’s math knowledge.

The Usborne Book of Trucks

H. Castor and C. Young

Many children are naturally drawn to the curiosity of roaring engines and impressive automobiles and machinery in motion. The Usborne Book of Trucks brilliantly capitalizes on that natural fascination. Within its pages, authors authors H. Castor and C. Young. make sure children can thoroughly sate their appetites for all things “under the hood” with pictures, mechanical explanations, diagrams, and more.

How a House Is Built

Gail Gibbons

Much like automobiles and other complex pieces of machinery, houses can also provide a fantastic learning opportunity for those interested in the ultimate mastery over physics and environment in the domestic world. This well-illustrated guide teaches kids how it all works, from single parts to the entire product. Readers will learn about physics, architect work, reading plans, construction, and even landscaping.

The Elements Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

DK Children (Publisher)

The Elements Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table is a masterful telling of the basics of chemistry and periodic elements. Along with great and easy-to-follow explanations and text, this selection is loaded with notably descriptive visuals. Enjoy over 1,000 color photos and more in this Smithsonian great.

The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry

Larry Gonick and Craig Criddle

Combustion science, reactive stoichiometry, and entropy may sound like far-off matters of science at first, but The Cartoon Guide to Chemistry actually does a great job in making these otherwise difficult concepts easy to grasp in young and old minds alike. As its name suggests, this lighthearted educator uses cartoon illustrations to explain it all. Kids want to know how it all works, and this is the perfect explanation.

Robotics: DISCOVER THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE

Kathy Ceceri

Robots are yet another natural fascination of all ages, especially inquisitive youth. Taking advantage and explaining this sure concept of the future is Kathy Ceceri’s great – Robotics: DISCOVER THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE. Learn about each part and the function of the whole as the picture of the robotics system becomes clear. Of even further value, this piece provides working models from which anyone can build their very own robots.

Green City

Allan Drummond

This is the story of a town in Kansas struck with a choice – rebuild after a devastating tornado in the same way as before or find an innovative new way to rebuild that is much more impervious to such disasters. In this true story, residents choose a new way forward. As a result, lots of amazing science and engineering is applied in rebuilding efforts. This is that fascinating and true story of Greensburg, Kansas.

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science

Eric Yoder

Rather than immersing the young reader in a potential overload of science information on one area or another, author Eric Yoder takes the approach of providing 65 brief lessons in science in an array of subjects. A whole range of topics is then masterfully covered, from earth science and physics to chemistry, astrology, and more. Even the shortest attention spans are inclined to excel with this one.

A Global Warming Primer

Jeffrey Bennett

Global warming is certainly a concept we all need to learn more about. In preparing current and future generations with the basic synopsis at hand, author and expert Jeffrey Bennett gives a rundown via “the science; the consequences, and the solutions.” Masterfully crafted for understanding in young and budding minds, A Global Warming Primer is also the winner of numerous prestigious awards.

Organic and Inorganic Chemicals!

Baby Professor

In again, this time at #30 on our list, is the always valuable Baby Professor series, this time with its book, Organic and Inorganic Chemicals!. Here, the young reader will learn all about the important distinction in the science world between inorganic and organic substances. What makes an object or substance organic or inorganic and why? This colorful learning guide lights the way splendidly.

The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines: Cool Projects & Activities that Make Science Fun!

Kelly Doudna

At their basics, all machines, large and small, are composed of the all-important, simple machine. What is a simple machine, and how do you make one? Where are these mechanical creations used in the world today? Learn all this and more in this colorful, activity-filled guide to the world of simple machines. Additionally, this is a great classroom resource due to its specific activities, attached safety information, overall learning value, and more.

Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding

Linda Liukas

In the slender market of coding books for kids today, Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding, by author Linda Liukas, is a top pick. One doesn’t even need a computer in order to follow along and become comfortable with the basics of how computer coding is done. This is a brilliant hybrid between activity book and picture guide, as told by the fun-loving and informative central character, Ruby.

How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

Carol Pasternak

Raising butterflies is an entomological and biology-based learning experience unrivaled by many other activities. In this beautiful, picture-filled, how-to guide, children are led through the whole process of raising butterflies. Cocoon-making, stasis, and life cycles are all taught with great explanation in this great STEM book for kids by author and expert Carol Pasternak.

Galileo for Kids: His Life and Ideas

Richard Panchyk

Galileo for Kids: His Life and Ideas begins with an insightful and inspirational opening by astronaut Buzz Aldrin. From there on, it’s nothing but intrigue as the wonder of Galileo is broken down in an easy-to-understand format. What made him so interested in astrology? How did his discoveries come to have such an impact on modern science today? Learn the captivating story here.

Stephen Biesty’s Incredible Cross-Sections

Stephen Biesty and Richard Platt

Countless sciences and disciplines rely on the demonstrative abilities unique to cross-section diagrams. In this magnetizing STEM classic, young readers will not only learn to see things through the lens of cross-section visualization, but also learn plenty about the individual wares dissected in the book in this way. From massive ships to the tallest towers, see 18 structures here like you’ve never seen them before.

Women Who Launched the Computer Age

Laurie Calkhoven

In the line of STEM books about women in science, Women Who Launched the Computer Age is certainly a notable addition. Here, we learn about the amazing contributions to computer science made by a group of fascinating women involved in the 1960’s, secret government project, ENIAC. This is part of the “Ready To Read,” “You Should Meet” series of books directed at introducing youth to revolutionary figures in science and progress.

The Channel Tunnel

Sandra Donovan

Connecting England to France is the incredible engineering accomplishment called “The Channel Tunnel.” In this children’s piece by Sandra Donovan, young readers are provided with the secrets to this structure’s success. How does it hold so much weight and remain water-tight? How was it really built? Learn the facts behind this incredible accomplishment in The Channel Tunnel, a sure STEM classic for kids.

Acids and Bases – Food Chemistry for Kids

Baby Professor

Surprisingly to many, food can actually provide a vast field of learning opportunities in many scientific fields of study. In this Baby Professor great, children learn one particularly useful mode of such food-based learning – chemistry. Acids, bases, and basic matters of chemical composition are quite entertainingly taught in this awesome STEM activity book for kids.

Human Body (Discovery Kids)

Parragon Books

Discovery Kids, a name synonymous with youth learning today, brings us Human Body, a beautifully detailed explanation of how our bodies work. What is an appendix, and where is it located? How do the lungs ultimately get oxygen to the rest of the body for use? The answers to these questions and more are easily found within these colorfully descriptive pages.

Quantum Physics for Babies

Chris Ferrie

Quantum physics may sound like a far-out premise to understand, but with author Chris Ferrie’s ability to explain it, even young children can start to have a solid grasp in this science. Ferrie himself is a father, physicist, mathematician, and a skilled storyteller. Tongue-in-cheek antics and broken-down scientific facts couple perfectly here in his telling of the quantum side of the world we live in.

STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids

Various Authors

STEAM is an abbreviation for all of the STEM disciplines, but with the addition of art as well. In the line of hands-on engineering books for kids, this particular title is a great value. Created by a whole team of award-winning educators, engineers, and other field experts, STEAM Kids: 50+ Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math Hands-On Projects for Kids is children’s project book bursting at the seams with valuable, real-world, applicable knowledge.

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

Jen Bryant

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille is the children’s tale of the very real-life story of Louis Braille. It is the story of his overwhelming desire to read, even when sight was unable to provide him the means to do so. Today, as the result of the events told of in this book, we have a universal system by which the blind can read and communicate as effectively as anyone else.

Child’s Introduction to the Night Sky

Michael Driscoll and Meredith Hamilton

Recommended for all ages eight and up, Child’s Introduction to the Night Sky is a delightful sort of “first book” for a child’s understanding of the sky and all of the truths and mysteries it holds. The young reader here will learn all about constellations, heavenly bodies, viewing methods, and more in this well-rounded introduction to the heavens.

Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide

Workman Publishing

This excellent piece from Workman Publishing is a sort of ultimate study guide for students of the sciences. Although aimed at the middle school levels of science, anyone can truly learn volumes from its pages. Included are subjects like astronomy, earth science, energy and motion principles, chemistry, and plenty more.

Super Gear: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up

Jennifer Swanson

What is nanotechnology, and how does it share such a promising relationship with the world of sports in particular? The answers to these questions and more greet the reader of this STEM classic by author Jennifer Swanson. If high-tech baseball bats, footballs, and wearable gear sound interesting, try out this mesmerizing glimpse to the future.

My Life with the Chimpanzees

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is one of the world’s foremost and respected scientists. Her extensive body of work with chimpanzees in particular has been the source of countless movies, books, news segments, and more. My Life with the Chimpanzees is the direct story from Goodall herself detailing a lifetime of awesome finds and scientific progress based in the heart of the jungle. It is also a fantastic and appropriate read for young STEM learners.

Ben Franklin’s Big Splash

Barb Rosenstock

Author Barb Rosenstock gives young minds plenty to absorb in her visually-attractive children’s STEM book, Ben Franklin’s Big Splash. Go on an entertaining ride with Ben Franklin, one of the most legendary inventors of all time, as he creates his first real invention. Scientific method and a touch of tenacity blend perfectly with childlike storytelling in this memorable rendition.

Inventions That Could Have Changed the World…But Didn’t!

Joe Rhatigan

Not all science books for kids need to be about accomplishment and marked success in order to be highly educational. Failure, as it turns out is as great a teacher as any here. In this eye-opening detailing of such failures throughout the history of invention, children experience the unique insights of failure, dreams attempted, and lessons learned in the world of science and engineering.

Breakthrough: How One Teen Innovator Is Changing the World

Jake Andraka

Jake Andreka is a teen with a vision. With his creation of a groundbreaking new method for detecting certain forms of cancer, he gained some much-deserved attention in the science and medical communities alike. This is his story, as told by himself, as to why and how he made this amazing breakthrough discovery the adults couldn’t even get right.

George’s Secret Key to the Universe

Lucy Hawking ad Stephen Hawking

Finally, what STEM book collection would be complete without some contribution from famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking? George’s Secret Key to the Universe is his specific contribution to the field with a fun-filled story of a boy named George and his adventures in scientific discovery. While Hawking is certainly more known for serious, adult pieces than for creating STEM books for kids, this is a hands-down great book for any up-and-coming STEM learner today.

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