I had someone ask for some recommendations of books that have science content within them and as well as books with math content. These requests has made me realize that there may be other teachers out there that may want some of these same recommendations. Today I will share with you the science books I recommended and next week I’ll share the math books.
This list contains books that are middle school and high school level. I started this list when an 8th grade science teacher asked me for recommendations. He wanted books that weren’t directly “science” books but that had science elements within them. Next to each book I’ve included how the book connects with the content. Also, many of these books are one of a series, so their sequels or companions would have science content as well.
(List updated 9-2019 & 8/2023)
Meteor hits moon and the effects from the disaster
Space exploration, Space science
Meteorology
Medical (Virology), Yellow fever epidemic
Fictionalized account of same epidemic
Meteorology
Geology, Yellowstone eruption
Meteorology
AI, Technology
Technology, Game simulation
Chiroptologist (Study of bats)
Alchemy, Medical
Plastic surgery, Technology, Oil contamination
Ornithology (Study of birds)
Animal testing, Chimp acquisition of language (ASL), Deafness
Zoology, Airships
NASA Apollo Mission, National Audubon Society
Space science (Low gravity, alien technology, space craft/station)
Robotics
Genetic engineering, Mechanics
Microbiology, Pandemic, Quarantine
Everglades
Subsea settlement
Global warming, Oil
Linguistics, Animal testing, Chimp acquisition of language (ASL)
Space science, Space ship, Computer, Cryonics
Cloning
Sharks
Oceanography
Climbing Mt. Everest
Meteorology
Space race
Space Race
Teenager climbing Mt. Everest
Quantum physics, Philosophy
(and other Hiaasen middle grade books) Ecology, Zoology
Natural History, Evolution
Botany
Dinosaurs
Astronomy
Physics, Mechanics, Inventing
Geology
Androids, Cyborgs
Extinction, Conservation, Environment
Challenger expedition, Space
Bee extinction
Science tinkering, Robots, Inventing, Other science topics
Inventions, Problem Solving
Fake news, Biology, Other science topics
Deafness, Sound waves, Marine biology
Spinal muscular atrophy
Live tissue transplant, Rebuilding humans
Water loss in California
Virtual reality
Primatology
Genetics, Discovery, History of medicine
Mars rover
AI
Mars colonization
Astronomy
NASA, Space travel
Climate change
Global warming
Apocalypse, Space travel, AI
Sea turtle
Wildfire
Climate change
Coding
Wildfire
Cave rescue
Ecology, Animal impact
Astronomy
Paleontology, Genetic mutationWhat books would you add to the list?
Awesome list! I was just looking for this to expand my kids’ reading list by topics we’re covering in school work. Thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m glad that you found it useful 🙂
“The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the
Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth” by Tim Flannery; and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca
Skloot; and then there is A. Huxley’s “Brave New World.”
Fizz: Nothing Is as It Seems
by
Zvi Schreiber
is great!!!1
“Apollo’s Outcasts” by Allen Steele, 2012
Excellent recommendations. We love Stephen Hawking’s books and several others on this list. I would also add the middle grade novel Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything In It by Sundee T. Frazier, which deals with geology and mineralogy. You can read my review here.
I am an art historian, who writes books that embrace science. In my first book, The Crystal Navigator, is a middle grade fantasy that incorporates Newton’s study of optical fringes, chromatic aberration, and gravity. My second book, Mona Lisa’s Ghost, hinges on Einstein’s premise of consciousness-based reality, high tech gadgets, and Newton’s Third Law of motion.
Thanks so much. I game 3 middle school age children and this list helps
National Geographic 5000 Facts. My kids love this series of books. Lots of science facts then they go online and start reading about things they learned from the book. It holds kids attention. I have twin boys who are twelve and are dyslexic. They are both very smart and know complicated things and science, robotics, and coding. When books are layed out with lots of pictures then they pick up information easier. They pick up an interest them research and now research online. Do you have recommendations for dyslexic kid’s books?
Any ideas for middle school- physical science teachers? In life science we enjoyed “Charles and Emma”, “Code Orange”, “Double Helix” and “Fever 1793” (already listed). Thanks in advance!
Hi, i write middle grade fantasy/sci-fi adventures that feature a girl protagonist/daredevil and that combine themes of physics, art history, self esteem, and the importance of original thought. They were inspired by my Corgi, Wilbur who sat me down one day and told me a bunch of stories. He is a guide, helping lost children find themselves. The Crystal Navigator, Mona Lisa’s Ghost, and soon to be published The Gravity Thief. Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
Nancy Kunhardt Lodge, PhD
Looking for suggestions on Sci-fi books for middle schoolers (7/8)that address real Earth and Space terminology and yet fun to read. Thanks