Science Nonfiction Books for Kids

This book examines 30 different invasive species, their environmental impact, and ways to support threatened ecosystems. They Are Here is packed full of facts and meticulously researched, but the author presents the information with an engaging, storytelling voice. 

Author David Hamilton draws upon his 25 years of foraging experience to show readers how to find the food hidden in our surroundings. In addition, the book shares the histories, scientific discoveries, and folklore surrounding wild plants, and offers several recipes to try with your newly foraged goods. We loved this book for older kids and teens who want more connection with their environment.

This illustrated middle grade book explores the history of garbage, answering big questions like: How has our relationship with trash changed over time? What is the connection between garbage and climate change? And perhaps most importantly: Why should you care? Total Garbage challenges readers to think critically about their consumption habits and offers encouraging real-world solutions to help reduce waste.

Science Comics books are always a huge hit with my own children, ages 11 and 9. This latest edition follows Fran, a “city kid” exploring their new home in a rural area. When Fran discovers a pond full of unfamiliar creatures, they are transported to Amphibian Academy and learn all about frogs–their origins, characteristics, adaptations, and more.

This interactive STEM book is part of the “Science Explorers” series and takes readers on a journey to the ocean’s twilight zone in pursuit of a giant squid! Readers choose their submarine, their pilot, and their path. And since each decision leads to a different adventure, readers learn new facts about marine life and scientific expeditions at every turn. An engaging nonfiction choice for emergent readers. 

Part of the National Geographic Kids Hands-on Science line, Cat Science Unleashed features 22 safe, cat-friendly activities for kids to explore with their furry friend. Each experiment includes step-by-step instructions, fascinating photographs, and straightforward scientific explanations. This book makes a perfect gift for any young cat owner. 

This book is perfect for nature-loving kids who want to learn more about birds. This edition for young readers was adapted from the bestselling guide by David Sibley, a respected ornithologist author, and illustrator. The book is text-heavy but accompanied by gorgeous illustrations that bring the fascinating world of birds to life.

Monarch butterflies are among the most recognizable insects in the world–but how much do we really know about these delicate-looking creatures? This book explores the “mysteries” of the species, including their great migration, scientific discoveries, and the relationship between humans and butterflies. The Monarch Effect is an excellent choice for curious tweens and teens.

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Young readers learn how and why the wolves disappeared from the park the resulting impact on the park’s ecosystem, and how the rewilding effort changed the future of Yellowstone.

Longlisted for the National Book Award, this stunning visual guide explores the history of the moon landing. Collage illustrations and individual profiles highlight unsung heroes–the engineers, mathematicians, welders, seamstresses, and factory workers whose innovation and hard work allowed NASA to achieve a historic accomplishment. Science-minded teens will love learning rocket science concepts through detailed diagrams and technical drawings. This is an excellent reference book for any middle or high school science classroom.

This visual guide is packed with history’s most important scientific discoveries. The book begins in ancient times and travels through many centuries of invention–then fast forwards into the future! Readers learn about important people, their contributions to science, and major landmarks and events that shaped our scientific knowledge. This is a great reference book for any home or classroom.

Part of the bestselling FACTopia series, this book presents hundreds of scientific facts–and each fact is connected to another, forming a trail that your reader will love to follow. Each fact is verified by experts at Britannica and is accompanied by over 300 color illustrations and photographs. Kids love this series, and Science FACTopia the best edition yet.

Diagrams, infographics, and full-color illustrations make complex science topics accessible for younger readers. The book is divided into five sections: Matter, Energy and Force, Life, Space, and Earth– making it easy for a reader to find exactly what they need. Visual learners will love this science guide.

Hidden Systems is a graphic novel that explores water, electricity, and the internet–three fundamental systems that are often overlooked–to discover what’s hidden beneath the surface. Drawings and straightforward explanations explain how these hidden systems work and highlight their histories, inequities, and future potential. When readers are learning about a complex topic, visuals help increase comprehension, so the graphic novel format works well here.

All of the books in the wildly popular Science Comics series introduce kids to science concepts through narrative. In Science Comics: Electricity, Julie and her engineer uncle must repair Menlo the mech after it is struck by lightning. Along the way, they learn where electricity comes from and how to harness it for our needs. This is a fun, fast-paced, and highly visual nonfiction choice.

Marie Curie was one of the most influential scientists in history, and this biography for young readers details her inspirational life and accomplishments. The short chapters and straightforward text are perfect for newly independent readers, and the glossary highlights the important terms every young scientist should know.

Part of DK’s popular “Top 100” series, this book profiles important scientists and their contributions to the field with a combination of engaging text and pictures. Mini biographies include biologists, chemists, physicists, and innovators and pioneers from every scientific discipline. Some of our family’s favorite biographies include Mary Anning, Louis Pasteur, Stephen Hawking, Bill Nye, and Ada Lovelace.

There are thousands of books that help parents understand their teenagers, but for the first time, this book is aimed at teenagers to help them figure out what is going on in their parents’ brains! Written by a neuroscientist, this book is a user’s manual for teens to help them better understand and communicate with their parents. My son, age 12, has already read this book and loved the practical advice and humor.

This collection of hands-on experiments introduces curious kids to chemistry and the periodic tables. Each chapter focuses on a single element, discussing its properties, discovery, and potential danger level. Then, kids conduct fun experiments using items easily found around the house. Our family loves this book, and I’ve ordered several copies for my 12-year-old son’s STEM-loving friends.

Written by a world-renowned scientist, this book answers over 100 “weird and wacky” questions from kids worldwide. Readers will find answers to queries about all science disciplines, including biology, space, physics, and chemistry. The book doesn’t shy away from the hard questions, like “How was the first person born?” “What makes someone a scientist?” and “Why was COVID worse than other illnesses?” This book is an invaluable resource for teachers and parents.