15 Fun Science Nonfiction Book Recommendations - For Adults and Kids of All Ages
I often hear things, from people of all ages, like:
I wish I knew more about science, but it’s so hard to understand.
Science books are so boring!
I wish I could read non-fiction.
Do you know any science books that are interesting and also easy to understand?
Do you know any science books that my kids might like?
In fact, I do know some science books that are interesting and easy to understand, whether you’re a kid or kid-at-heart. In the last decade, many scientists, journalists, and writers have created compelling and scientifically accurate books that are geared towards non-scientists of all ages. Here is a list of some of my favorites (along with my Amazon Affiliate links).
Adults
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - This is a dramatic story about Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman who unknowingly changed the way scientific research was done, without receiving any of the credit. The books weaves the science of HeLa cells into the personal experiences of Lacks and her family.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson - It’s pretty much what it sounds like. Bryson tells the story of the history of the universe, from the very beginning, along with the history of how humans developed knowledge of all of it. The book covers many areas of science and provides background knowledge that more people should have.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach - Have you ever wondered what happens to human bodies after their owners are finished with them? Have you ever wondered what research is done on cadavers? Have you ever wondered how cadavers have been treated throughout history, across the world? Have you ever wanted to learn all of this from a dark, but humorous book? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, Stiff is the book for you!
The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements by Sam Kean - This book tells stories of scientists and other people throughout history, and the way the elements on the Periodic Table have played starring roles in these stories. The stories are so engrossing you’ll never realize you’re learning so much about chemistry.
The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus by Richard Preston - Looking for more reading on the study and spread of scary viruses? Really? That’s great, because The Hot Zone can give you just that. This book tells thrilling and terrifying stories of how scientists are constantly fighting to keep ahead of the Ebola virus, from outbreaks in Sudan and Zaire to the outbreak nobody heard of outside of Washington, DC in 1989 (in monkeys, but still really close to being a national disaster).
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat: And Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks - I actually recommend anything by Oliver Sacks, the extremely eloquent neurologist who tells tales of his and his patients’ experiences with unusual neurological disorders. The stories are heartwarming, heartbreaking, and humorous, but will also teach you a thing or two about how your own brain works.
Middle and High School
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - This book tells William Kamkwamba’s incredible story of how he brought electricity to his village in Malawi by studying science on his own in his village’s library and building a windmill out of spare parts. The story is inspiring for kids and adults alike.
Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman - Phineas Gage accidentally had a hole blasted in the back of his head in 1848. He experienced a lot of changes to his personality that fascinated doctors back then and still today. Even if you don’t think it’s cool, your middle schooler certainly will.
Tooth and Claw: The Dinosaur Wars by Deborah Noyes - A lot of what we know about dinosaurs comes from fossils. This book tells the story of two scientists battling it out to find the best fossils and make the most important discoveries.
Elementary School
National Geographic Little Kids First Book of Dinosaurs by Catherine D. Hughes - I never grow tired of seeing elementary and middle school students walking around with this book tucked under their arms. This book is full of fun facts, colorful pictures, and fascinating information that can be enjoyed alone or with a parent. The National Geographic Little Kids First Book series has a ton of different topics that appeal to children.
DK Eyewitness Books: Human Body by Richard Walker - I like to think (and sincerely hope) that every kid goes through an Eyewitness Books phase. These books have everything: pictures, facts, stories, and information about nearly any topic you can imagine. While all of the books are wonderful, the human body book can teach kids a little bit about how they work.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky - This book provides stories about 50 different women who had amazing accomplishments in STEM fields. The stories talk about the women’s lives and discoveries, and are empowering to children of all genders.
Preschool and Babies
Rocket Science for Babies by Chris Ferrie - The bright colors, sharp contrast, and simple explanations make this book (and the others in the Baby University and Baby Medical School series) engaging for the youngest babies, older toddlers and preschoolers, and even their parents. Parents can pretend to be teaching their children about rocket science while actually learning about thrust, lift, and Newton’s Laws themselves.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty - The adorable illustrations and fabulous rhymes help bring to life the story of a girl, Ada Twist, who is always asking why. This book is a great opportunity for parents to celebrate their preschoolers’ curiosity because sometimes it’s hard to do much celebrating when the whys are flying nonstop.
Fairy Science by Ashley Spires - This book and it’s sequel, Fairy Science: Solid, Liquid, Gassy, tell stories about fairies using the science to solve problems. The illustrations are adorable and the stories will have your kids thinking like scientists before they get to Kindergarten.
This list is not exhaustive. Please share recommendations in the comments or email me at robinsatty@stemsmartconsulting.com for more suggestions.