The Best Science Books for Kids of 2024

Are you looking for books to get your kids interested in science?  Are you hoping to keep your child entertained while still learning?  If you’ve gotten this far then your answer must be yes. Imagine the joy and excitement on your child’s face as they show you a chemical experiment they’ve been dying to try out.  Instead of scrolling through YouTube, your child has been not only reading the science books you bought for them but applying the information as well.  This list contains books that can make that fairytale a reality.  Keep reading to find the best science books for kids of all ages.

By the way, when you’re done reading this, if you found it valuable, check out our other reading lists here!

Last update: 2024-04-28

Award-Winning Children’s Science Books

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot has won awards for being the best debut author and best nonfiction book from Goodreads. This book is excellent for older children and is all about Henrietta Lacks, a poor tobacco farmer whose cells were used unbeknownst to her.  Her cells came to be known as HeLa.  These cells were used in the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and even cloning. (Teen+) 

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is included in this list as an essential text for understanding the cross-sections between ethics, medicine, and race. Rebecca Skloot is not only the author of this text but the founder and president of The Henrietta Lacks Foundation as well.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Tooth by Tooth: Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers by Sara Levine

Tooth by Tooth: Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers is the 2017 winner of the Children’s Science Picture Book award.  The book is all about the variety of teeth that exists and how teeth come in all different shapes and sizes. Tooth by Tooth: Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers was written by Sara Levine, a veterinarian, and professor of biology.  (4-10 years old)

This science picture book is included in the list as a great way to teach kids about not only their teeth but the teeth of animals around them. Tooth by Tooth also helps children learn why some teeth are different shapes than others. Does your child ever wonder why they have so many teeth or what they are used for?  This book will answer those questions and more.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Recommended Science Picture Books for Kids

Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey by Dr. Dominic Walliman, Ben Newman

Professor Astro Cat is a series of books that teach kids about science in a unique way. Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey takes kids on a journey through the human body.  The bright futuristic images keep kids intrigued, and it is the perfect 3rd-grade science book to get kids learning about the human body.  (7-10 years old)

Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey is a great way to teach kids about the various aspects of the human body. From head to toe, no part is left unexplored.  Dr. Dominic Walliman uses the Professor Astro Cat series to make science accessible and easy for all.  Other books included in the series include Professor Astro Cat’s Solar System and Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure.  These are some of the most recommended science picture books.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Ada Twist, Scientist, is one of the best 2nd-grade science books you can get for your child.  Ada is an inquisitive 2^nd grader who tends to question everything around her.  Throughout the book, Ava must use her scientific skills to figure out what the smell is in her yard and where it is coming from.  (5 – 7 years old)

This book is included in the list for Ada’s use of a variety of scientific techniques.  These techniques include the scientific method, trial, and error, and a series of experiments to come up with a viable conclusion.

Last update: 2024-04-27

---

There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe

The Cat in the Hat is a literary staple in every child’s life. Therefore, it is only right that Dr. Seuss teaches your child about science in There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System.  Follow Jane, Dick, Thing 1 and Thing 2 as they explore all 8 of the planets.  If you recall, Pluto is no longer a planet but a dwarf planet. (4 – 8 years old)

There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System makes this list as part of the must-have kindergarten science books.  The cartoon illustrations and funky characters are an excellent way to keep your kids’ attention as they learn about the planets. You can’t forget about Dr. Seuss’s rhyming nature, which adds a spin to this already intriguing tale.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Recommended Science Chapter Books for Kids

Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady

Trapped in a Video Game is one of the popular STEM reads for kids.  This book is the first in the series, and it follows Jesse Rigsby, a 12-year-old boy, who ironically hates video games. In this first book, Jesse is sure that a video game character is trying to kill him, and after being sucked inside the game, he must defeat the villain or be trapped for good. (8-12 years old)

Trapped in a Video Game is included in this list because it not only gives kids an intriguing story to follow, it also teaches them about coding. This is a 3-part series.  Each book includes a section called “More to Explore,” which allows kids to learn programming concepts through various activities. Other books include Trapped in a Video Game (Book 2): The Invisible Invasion and Trapped in a Video Game (Book 3): Robots Revolt

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

The Truth about Bats (The Magic School Bus Chapter Book, No. 1) by Eva Moore

This list wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include The Magic School Bus. The Magic School Bus, though an entertaining and fun television show, is also available in print. Ms. Fizzle has a way of bringing science to life with her students as she takes them on fun and science-filled adventures. The Truth about Bats is the first book in the Magic School Bus chapter book series.  In this story, Ms. Fizzle takes her students all around the world searching for bats and finds out some intriguing facts along the way.  The Magic School Bus is always a staple in science books for 3rd graders. (7-10 years old)

This book is included in the list not just because it is a science-filled classic but because it gives students a chance to learn about an animal they may never encounter in real life. Come along on the ride as kids learn about things like echolocation, what bats eat, where they live, and so much more.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Horrible Science: Fatal Forces by Nick Arnold

Horrible Science: Fatal Forces is one of few physics books for kids.  It focuses on teaching children outrageous facts to get them intrigued on a variety of concepts.  For example, students learn about the theory of gravity through the idea of losing their heads. His stories are aimed at making sure kids don’t think science is boring and they work. One parent even calls it “simplistic but accurate.”  (8-12 years old)

This book makes this list as the Horrible Science series’ main goal is to get students interested and learning about science.  They do so through a series of books which focus on the grossest, outlandish and trivial scientific facts.  The books even have a section titled “Dare You Discover,” which allows kids to do fun experiments from their homes.  The author, Nick Arnold, also provides supplemental content online that teachers can use in conjunction with his books.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Recommended Science Experiments for Kids Books

Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists by Andrea Beaty

If you have a child that is continually asking “why” and always looking for answers, this is the perfect book to get them busy with finding them. Ada Twist’s Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists covers a range of different topics including botany, chemistry, astronomy and much more. The book continuously uses the scientific method to take children from hypothesis to results.  (5-7 years old)

This book is included in the list because not only does it emphasize a need to include more minorities and girls in STEM fields, but it also touches on various processes that real scientists use every day. Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists has several experiments which can be useful for a weeknight or to keep kids busy throughout the weekend.  These include things like growing plants in your garden, designing a vehicle powered by renewable energy or even observing a chemical reaction.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You! by Tom Robinson

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book allows children to use their imagination in conjunction with household finds to see science at work truly.  Before getting started with the experiments, Tom Robinson gives students a brief explanation of what the scientific method is and how to conclude. He also provides descriptions as students begin experiments. (6 – 12 years old)

The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book is a highly-rated science experiments for kids book which teaches kids to ask questions and conduct tests to draw their conclusions. It is great to get parents involved, and no prior science knowledge is needed.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

This Is Not a Science Book by Clive Glifford

This Is Not a Science Book is indeed a science book which helps kids learn science through activities which require drawing, coloring, tracing, making, or even building something.  The book includes several eye-catching illustrations and tasks to keep your child coming back for more. (0 – 5 years old)

This Is Not a Science Book is included on this list because it makes science fun and intriguing.  It even includes templates for extra activities that your kid may enjoy. The book encompasses more than just experiments which may use the scientific method but also brain teasers, optical illusions and monitoring moon movement.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

The Best Young Adult Science Books for Tweens

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Jurassic Park is a cautionary tale about what could happen if science is abused.  It specifically speaks about the notion of genetic engineering. It all starts with the creation of Jurassic Park, an amusement park which uses showcasing genetically recreated dinosaurs.  However, chaos ensues. (13 years old +)

Jurassic Park is included in this list to showcase the various elements of science and what can happen if it is abused.  Though we don’t have some of the technology needed to recreate Jurassic Park entirely, is it that far away? This is a great book to get older children interested in science and provide a warning on what could happen and how the world is affected by the scientific efforts of others.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different: A Biography Paperback by Karen Blumenthal

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different is the riveting biography of Steve Jobs, the man who created Apple in his parents’ garage. Karen Blumenthal tells Steve Job’s story through is hard beginning to where his life ultimately ceased.  He was an innovative and creative man who forever changed the world.  His biography is shaped using his 2005 Stanford commencement speech. (12 – 18 years old)

This book is included in this list for young adults as an inspirational read.  It is meant to inspire many and provide the notion that although we may not have all the things together that we hoped, we can still make a massive impact.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Recommended Science Books for Mid­dle Grade Readers

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World is a book to get your daughter, niece, or other little girls in your life inspired.  It showcases the works of 50 influential women and their contributions to science. The book uses attractive images to draw readers in and an infographic style to keep the reader’s eye and keep them informed.  The women in this book are from a variety of different backgrounds and span a multitude of periods. (10 – 17 years old)

This book is included in this list to celebrate the contributions of these intelligent women who laid the path for scientists today.  The information is presented in a way that shouldn’t overwhelm but leaves readers longing to find out more.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes

Secret Coders sets its scene at Stately Academy, a school full of mysteries just waiting to be solved.  The school’s founder left several clues that students must use their genius, wit, and most importantly, their coding knowledge to solve. (8 – 12 years old)

Secret Coders, written by Gene Yang who also writes Avatar: The Last Airbender, is included on this list for the logic puzzles it contains and the underlying programming instruction.  This STEM book puts tech at your child’s fingertips.

Last update: 2024-04-28

---

Summary of the Best Science Books for Kids

Putting everything together, in this guide we reviewed the following:

Last update: 2024-04-28

If you’ve made it to the end of this best science books for kids list, I hope you have found a book for your child that you find intriguing and fun.  There is no doubt that science can be a hard subject to grasp, but when done in the right way, your child may be hooked forever. Books like Ada Twist, Scientist and Professor Astro Cat’s Human Body Odyssey can not only draw your child in with the information but the imagery.  These vibrant picture books are the perfect science books for elementary students or even great preschool stem books.  If your child is a little older Horrible Science: Fatal Forces or even Jurassic Park may be the way to go.  If you are looking to get in on the action, there are several fun science books on this list like The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book.  No matter your child’s age, be prepared to offer them the excitement and inspiration they deserve.  What are you waiting for? The fun starts NOW.

Did you find this interesting? Check out our other reading lists here!

> The Best Earth Science Textbooks

> The Best Physical Chemistry Textbooks

> The Best Organic Chemistry Textbooks

> The Best Folktale Books for Kids