10 Science Literacy Reading Recommendations for Kids

Written by Laura, staff member, Keshen Goodman Public Library

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it's science!

Science takes so many different forms, and all of them are interesting. We have compiled some of the coolest science books for kids to check out this Science Literacy Week, opens a new window and beyond.

1. How Does Soap Clean Your Hands?: The Science Behind Healthy Habits

Washing your hands properly is all the rage these days, but how does hand washing help us stay healthy? In this illustrated guide, author Madeline J. Hayes explains the science behind hand washing and other techniques meant to keep us healthy, such as the appropriate way to cough and sneeze and the importance of a balanced diet.

How Does Soap Clean Your Hands?

2. Under Pressure: The Science of Stress

Under Pressure provides young readers with an introduction to stress. There is no need to stress over missing information in this book, because it covers it all. Topics introduced include the effects of stress on the human body and how these effects were discovered, the fight or flight response, the effects of chronic stress on the body, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the ways we can counteract stress. Everyone experiences stress sometimes and this book helps kids understand why they react in stressful situations and why stress is a normal human response.

Under Pressure

3. A to Z of Science: A Visual Dictionary for Curious Scientists

A to Z of Science is a must for young readers curious about all the different streams of science! Basher introduces readers to astronomy, chemistry, biology, physics, and the human body. The concepts are explained next to full illustrations to provide visual references.

A to Z of Science

4. In the Dark: The Science of What Happens at Night

What happens when we go to sleep? Can cats really see in the dark? In the Dark: The Science of What Happens at Night answers these questions and more! Betik dives into topics such as how humans sleep, plants that thrive at night, animals that come out after dark and the objects you see in the night sky. We might go to bed when it gets dark, but as readers will learn, science never sleeps!

In the Dark : The Science of What Happens at Night

5. The Science of Natural Disasters: When Nature and Humans Collide

Floods, wildfires, tsunamis, earthquakes and more! We have seen these in the news, but what are these natural disasters? In The Science of Natural Disasters: When Nature and Humans Collide, scientists explain why natural disasters happen, how to prevent them and how to predict them!

The Science of Natural Disasters

6. The First Dinosaur: How Science Solved the Greatest Mystery on Earth

They say that you never really grow up, and my dinosaur obsession has persisted from childhood into adulthood. The First Dinosaur: How Science Solved the Greatest Mystery on Earth, is a comprehensive introduction to everything dinosaurs! Kids will learn about how dinosaurs came to be, dinosaur fossils that were found later and the science that led to these discoveries. Get ready for a learning experience that is absolutely dino-mite!

The First Dinosaur

7. Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids

Did you know that throughout history, Black women have been scientific trailblazers? Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids takes readers on a journey through the history of Black women scientists. This book features 15 stories of Black women scientists and the contributions they have made to STEM!

Black Women in Science

8. Ocean! Waves for All: Our Universe Series, Book 4

Nova Scotia is Canada’s Ocean Playground, but what exactly goes on in the depths of the ocean? From the Arctic, to the Pacific, each of the world’s oceans is filled with unique creatures, species of plants and shipwrecks. McAnulty acts as the voice of the oceans, providing readers with a fun autobiographical look at the world’s most fascinating waters!

Ocean! Waves for All

9. Janice VanCleave's Big Book of Science Experiments

Are you a curious person who wants to create lava at home? Perhaps you want to make something explode in a safe way? You are in luck! Janice VanCleave's Big Book of Science Experiments has over 100 do it yourself science experiments that you can safely do from the comforts of your home. Unleash your inner scientist and have fun with these awesome science experiments.

Janice VanCleave's Big Book of Science Experiments

10. DC Super Hero Science

Ever wonder how your favourite superheroes are able to do what they can? In DC Super Hero Science, you can learn! From Batman’s night vision to the Flash’s ability to run on water, this book is a must have for all superhero and science fans!

DC Super Hero Science