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. Makes room for curious questions and discovering how things work.
- 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. Makes room for curious questions and discovering how things work.
- 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. A friendly starting point for exploring science through everyday questions.
- 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. A friendly starting point for exploring science through everyday questions.
- 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. A lighthearted choice for sparking laughter and lively conversation.
- 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. Invites readers to reflect on classmates, choices, and belonging.
- 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. Makes room for curious questions and discovering how things work.
- 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. A friendly starting point for exploring science through everyday questions.
- 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. Invites thoughtful questions about the past and the world today.
- 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. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
- 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. Its playful humor makes reading aloud and sharing a laugh enjoyable.
- 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. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.
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