Best science and space books for kids
The best science and space books for kids include Ada Twist, Scientist, Everything You Need to Ace Science and Magic Tree House Fact Trackers. Science books and stories give curious children answers to their questions and new questions to ask.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 6–8
Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty
Ada is an endlessly curious girl who loves to ask why, what, and how. When a terrible smell fills her house, she launches into a full-scale scientific investigation to track down the source. Told in lively rhyming verse with bright, expressive illustrations, this playful picture book celebrates perseverance, curiosity, and the joy of trying things out, even when experiments make a giant mess. Young readers will relate to Ada's energetic quest to understand how the world works.
- 2
Ages 9–14
Everything You Need to Ace Science
by Workman Publishing
Presented as the notebook of the smartest kid in class, this comprehensive guide covers middle school science from earth science and biology to physics and chemistry. Full of doodles, highlighter-style callouts, diagrams, and quick quizzes, it breaks complex scientific ideas into bite-sized, easy-to-digest summaries. Young learners appreciate the approachable notebook format and lighthearted tone, which make reviewing foundational concepts feel engaging and stress-free.
- 3
Ages 6–11
Magic Tree House Fact Trackers
by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce
These companion guides to the Magic Tree House fiction series let young readers dig deeper into the real-world science, history, and animals behind Jack and Annie's adventures. Filled with simple facts, engaging illustrations, photos, and easy-to-digest chapters, each guide explores topics ranging from ancient civilizations and dinosaurs to extreme weather and space. Curious children enjoy discovering the true stories and trivia behind their favorite fictional journeys.
- 4
Ages 9–14
Who Was...? (series)
by Who HQ (various authors)
This popular biography series introduces young readers to notable figures from history, science, the arts, and popular culture. Each book traces a subject's life from childhood through their major achievements and the challenges they faced along the way. Filled with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and accessible historical context, these books make history approachable and engaging, allowing children to explore real-world inspirations through fast-paced, narrative non-fiction.
- 5
Ages 9–11
The 13-Storey Treehouse
by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton
Andy and Terry live in an incredible multi-level treehouse packed with amazing inventions, from a see-through swimming pool and a bowling alley to a giant marshmallow machine. The two friends need to write their next book, but absurd distractions keep getting in the way, including flying cats, giant sea monsters, and unruly monkeys. Packed with wacky illustrations, slapstick humor, and frantic energy, this inventive tale keeps young readers laughing from start to finish.
- 6
Ages 9–11
Secret Coders
by Gene Luen Yang
Hopper enters Stately Academy, an odd school filled with creepy four-eyed birds and mysterious secrets. Teaming up with fellow student Eni, she uncovers puzzles left behind by the school's eccentric founder. By learning real-world computer science concepts, binary code, and logic, the pair begin hacking their way through the school's bizarre mysteries. It is an engaging graphic novel that seamlessly blends an intriguing detective story with playful STEM learning.
- 7
Ages 9–11
Zita the Spacegirl
by Ben Hatke
When her best friend is suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal, Zita doesn't hesitate to jump in after him. She lands on an alien planet facing total destruction and must navigate a strange new world full of quirky creatures, friendly monsters, and neurotic robots. Along the way, she takes on the mantle of an unlikely hero to save her friend and help those in need. It is an energetic, fast-paced graphic novel with charming art, humor, and a strong, courageous heroine who learns the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice.
- 8
Ages 6–11
The Magic School Bus (series)
by Joanna Cole
Join eccentric teacher Ms. Frizzle and her curious class as their magical yellow bus transforms to take them on extraordinary science field trips. Whether journeying through outer space, exploring the human digestive system, or shrinking to microscopic size, the students learn firsthand how the world works. Packed with lively illustrations, funny dialogue, and margin notes bursting with real facts, these stories turn complex science concepts into thrilling and accessible adventures that young readers love exploring.
- 9
Ages 6–8
Little People BIG DREAMS (series, 100+ subjects)
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
This acclaimed non-fiction series introduces young readers to inspiring figures from history, science, sports, and the arts. Each book traces an extraordinary person's journey from a childhood filled with big dreams to their groundbreaking adult achievements. With friendly, accessible prose and charming illustrations, the stories emphasize perseverance, creativity, and individuality, inspiring children to follow their own passions and believe in what they can accomplish.
- 10
Ages 9–11
George's Secret Key to the Universe
by Lucy & Stephen Hawking
George's pet pig escapes into the next-door garden, leading him to meet his eccentric neighbor Eric and Eric's daughter Annie. Eric owns Cosmos, an incredible supercomputer capable of opening doorways into outer space. When a sinister teacher schemes to steal Cosmos, George finds himself on an extraordinary journey through the cosmos to save the day. Blending an exciting science-fiction adventure with real astrophysics explained clearly, it is an engaging ride for curious young readers fascinated by the stars.
- 11
Ages 9–14
Cosmic
by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Twelve-year-old Liam is unusually tall for his age, often mistaken for a grown-up. When he enters a competition to test a brand-new thrill ride in China, he poses as an adult chaperone and ends up accidentally launched into orbit alongside four real children. Floating through space with only a manual and his wits, Liam has to learn what being a responsible adult truly means. Full of brilliant humour and genuine warmth, this space adventure explores fatherhood, growing up, and the gap between looking old and being mature.
- 12
Ages 9–14
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)
by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer
When a terrible drought strikes his village in Malawi, fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's family can no longer afford his school fees. Refusing to give up on learning, he visits the local library and discovers how electricity works. Using old bicycle parts, scrap metal, and sheer determination, he sets out to build a windmill that can bring light and water to his community. This inspiring true story shows how curiosity and resourcefulness can overcome hardship and change lives.
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