The world is full of possibilities for our children. As parents, we want to give them every chance to succeed. One of the best ways to do this is through books! Books can spark curiosity, inspire learning, and introduce kids to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in fun ways.
STEM fields were once male-dominated, but today, girls have more opportunities than ever in these fields. The right books can spark their interest and help them explore these subjects with confidence.
Looking for the best STEM books for girls? This list has fun, engaging stories that make science exciting and encourage girls to dream big!
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Biographies and Real Life Inspiration
“Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World” by Rachel Ignotofsky
Beautifully illustrated, this book introduces readers to 50 trailblazing women who have made a lasting impact in STEM throughout history. From groundbreaking scientists to innovative engineers, this book celebrates the achievements of women who have shaped the world through science, technology, engineering, and math.
With engaging illustrations and interesting fun facts, readers will love learning about these inspiring women. Girls will be encouraged to explore the world of STEM, and dream big about the future!
“Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly
Discover the inspiring and true story of four African-American female mathematicians who made a crucial impact at NASA during the civil rights era, the Space Race, and the Cold War. Known as “human computers,” these women used their skills in math to calculate the complex equations required for successful space missions.
This young readers’ edition makes their incredible story accessible to kids. Creating interest in STEM careers and encouraging girls to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and math. A must-read for anyone passionate about history and space exploration.
“Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women” by Catherine Thimmesh
Women have been innovators for centuries, creating inventions that continue to shape our world today. From the APGAR test for newborns to the chocolate chip cookie, this book highlights an incredible range of discoveries made by women. Readers will not only learn about these inventions but also explore the challenges these women faced and the processes they used to find solutions.
Written for ages 8-11, this book is perfect for girls interested in learning more about the accomplishments of women in the past. It is sure to inspire girls to make something new and solve problems in their own life.
“Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13” by Helaine Becker
This is the inspiring and true story of Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematician who played a key role at NASA during the Space Race. As a child, she always had a passion for numbers, counting everything she could find. Her love for math led her to become one of NASA’s brilliant “human computers.” She was part of the team who solved the complicated equations that helped launch astronauts into space.
Featured in Hidden Figures, Katherine’s story encourages girls to pursue their passions in math and STEM. She demonstrated that determination can help you accomplish anything.
“Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed
Little Mae always dreamed of going to space. She imagined herself dancing, gliding, and discovering new worlds. With encouragement from her mother and a passion for science, Mae pursued her dream, eventually becoming the first African American woman to travel to space.
This inspiring book shows girls that with determination and support, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. A perfect read for young dreamers who want to reach for the stars!
“The Girl With a Mind For Math: The Story of Raye Montague” by Julia Finley Mosca
Raye Montague was determined to become an engineer from a young age. Despite facing many challenges, she persevered and made huge accomplishments in the world of engineering. Eventually, Montague changed ship design forever!
This book includes a complete biography, fun facts, and even a personal note from Montague herself, making it a must-read for any girl interested in engineering or ship design.
“Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer” by Andi Diehn
Mary Jackson was the first African American female engineer at NASA. This picture book shares her inspiring story in a way that young readers can easily understand. From a young age, Mary dreamed of becoming an engineer because of her love for math and science, but she never thought it was possible. This book highlights her experiences and the determination it took for her to turn her dreams into reality.
What makes this book even more special is its inclusion of STEM projects for readers to try at home. It also features a timeline and a glossary, supporting young learners as they read about Mary’s journey. Any child interested in becoming an engineer will love reading this motivating and educational story.
“Reaching for the Moon” by Katherine Johnson
This is an autobiography by Katherine Johnson, a trailblazing NASA mathematician. In the book she shares her incredible journey to becoming a key figure in the Apollo 11 mission. Against all odds, Katherine used her exceptional math skills to help put the first man on the moon. As one of the women featured in Hidden Figures, Katherine finally shares her own story in this honest and insightful memoir.
Written for children ages 10 and up, this chapter book is perfect for opening up discussions. It may be helpful to read it with your child so you can talk about the cultural norms of Katherine’s time. This book will inspire girls to break through barriers and pursue their dreams, showing that with determination, anything is possible.
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Picture Books for Young Scientists
“Helo Girls” by Kodey Bogart
Join Abby, a fearless firefighter pilot, as she battles a fire from the sky! The reader will meet her crew, help prepare the helicopter, collect water, and locate the fire. This book gives kids an exciting, hands-on look at firefighting from a helicopter. By the end of this story, young readers will have a basic understanding of how helicopter firefighting operations work.
This inspiring book highlights the important role women can play in STEM careers. It encourages girls to explore paths in science, technology, engineering, and math, while showing them how these fields can be used to help others and make a difference.
“Helo Girls: The Law Enforcement Pilot” by Kodey Bogart
Tag along with Selma and her team on a mission to keep the city safe! As a skilled law enforcement pilot, Selma navigates her police helicopter through the skies. Readers will get an inside look at the safety checks, flight preparations, and teamwork required for every mission. This interactive story makes kids feel like part of the crew as they help protect the city from above.
This book introduces girls to the exciting world of aviation in STEM. They’ll learn how helicopters work and discover the role of pilots in law enforcement. Sparking curiosity about careers in flying, engineering, and public safety, this book is a great addition to your shelf.
“Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
This heartwarming book tells the story of Rosie, a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. Each night she works on all kinds of inventions in her room. From hot dog dispensers to helium pants, Rosie’s imagination knows no limits. However, she doesn’t want to share her inventions with others because she’s afraid to fail. That is, until her great-great-great aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) pays her a visit and inspires her to let the world see her creations.
This book is perfect for young girls who fear judgment for their ideas. It teaches them that making mistakes is part of the journey and encourages them to keep trying, no matter what.
“Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty
Ada Twist never stops asking questions. Driven by her endless curiosity, Ada goes on fact-finding missions to discover more about the world around her. She conducts experiments to find answers, and even when things don’t go as planned, she never gives up on her mission to find the truth. Through her journey, Ada learns the value of critical thinking and curiosity.
This book is a wonderful addition to any young girl’s library. It encourages readers to explore their own questions and to keep trying, even when things don’t go as planned.
“The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
A young girl decides she is going to create the most magnificent thing. She knows exactly what it will look like and how it will work—she just has to make it. However, bringing her vision to life proves to be more challenging than she expected. She faces failure after failure, and she has to keep trying until she finally gets it right. With her dog by her side, she learns the importance of never giving up.
This inspiring book teaches girls the importance of perseverance. It encourages them to keep pushing forward, no matter what challenges are in front of them.
“Astronaut Annie” by Suzanne Slade
As Annie prepares for career day, she decides to surprise her family with her career choice. Each family member assumes she’ll follow in their footsteps. Her grandfather gives her a camera and notebook, expecting her to become a reporter like he was. Her grandmother, a champion baker, gifts her a mixing bowl and oven mitt. Other family members offer similar items related to their own professions. On career day, Annie finds a way to incorporate all of their gifts into her presentation—revealing that she wants to be an astronaut!
This heartwarming story highlights the importance of family support and shows the power of staying true to yourself, even when everyone around you expects you to be something else. It’s a wonderful book for children who are considering STEM careers.
“Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished” by Camille Andros
Charlotte has everything she needs to be a scientist—the only problem is, with so many brothers and sisters (she’s a rabbit), there’s no space for her to do her experiments! This funny and relatable story introduces kids to the scientific method.
Perfect for girls who are unsure about their interest in science, this lighthearted and easy-to-read book shows what the scientific method looks like in a fun way.
“How to Code a Sandcastle” by Josh Funk
Pearl and her robot use code to build the perfect sandcastle! By introducing young readers to fundamental computer coding concepts like sequences and loops, Pearl and her robot break down their sandcastle problem into small, manageable steps. If they can write working code, they’ll have the best sandcastle ever!
This engaging story is a fantastic introduction to coding for young kids. It shows them the magic of code and how it can create something entirely new.
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Chapter Books for Young Explorers
“Zoey and Sassafras Series” by Asia Citro
This exciting STEM series is packed with magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure! Follow Zoey and her cat Sassafras as they use the scientific method to help animals in need. Zoey keeps a science journal, teaching kids the value of handwritten notes and observation. Each book also includes a glossary of science terms, making it a fun way for young readers to expand their vocabulary.
These books align with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), making them excellent supplements for both classroom learning and homeschool settings.
“Ellie, Engineer” by Jackson Pearce
Meet Ellie, a young engineer who wears a dress and a tool belt while building all kinds of creations in her backyard workshop. Ellie can make anything she sets her mind to! With her best friend’s birthday coming up, she decides to build the perfect doghouse for a new puppy. But can she finish it in time?
This fun and engaging chapter book helps girls imagine what it’s like to design and build like an engineer. After reading about Ellie, they might even want a tool belt of their own!
“The Magic School Bus Series” by Joanna Cole
Join Ms. Frizzle and her students as they climb aboard the Magic School Bus for exciting, hands-on science adventures! From learning about the human body to traveling through space, each journey brings science to life in a fun and engaging way. Kids love learning alongside Ms. Frizzles class in these books.
These beloved books, along with their matching DVD’s, are widely used in classrooms to introduce and reinforce science concepts. With vibrant illustrations and an imaginative storytelling style, they make STEM learning both fun and memorable for young readers.
“Code Like a Girl: Rad Tech Projects and Practical Tips” by Miriam Peskowitz
This book introduces readers to the world of coding and technology. It teaches them how to code from scratch, build a computer, create a motion sensor, and more. With hands-on projects, it inspires kids to try out coding for themselves.
By showing girls how to apply coding in real-world scenarios, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to code but doesn’t know where to start.
“Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science” by Jeannine Atkins
This novel follows the journeys of three remarkable women from different historical periods. Through their stories, readers get to see how they made their discoveries. Each part of the story shares about the challenges each woman faced in her own time and how she overcame them.
This book is fascinating because it tells the story of three women in STEM whose contributions have largely been overlooked. It is a great way to learn about even more women who have made contributions in science over the years.
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Encouraging Girls in STEM Beyond Books
Reading about STEM is just the beginning! Take learning further by doing hands-on science experiments, exploring big questions, inventing new things, and building together. From STEM-themed toys and workshops to interactive museums, there are countless ways to make learning fun and engaging.
Bring STEM to life for your girls by looking for learning opportunities all around you. Surround your daughter with stories of inspiring female scientists, engineers, and inventors to show her that she, too, can change the world. Read together often, encourage her interests, and inspire her to dream big!
Do you have a favorite STEM book for girls? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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