A Curated Guide for K–12 Scientists and Inventors
Each year brings new science books, but not all STEM books are created equal. At Laser Classroom, we gravitate toward the titles that spark curiosity, explain tricky concepts clearly, and make science feel like magic (without dumbing it down).
This list includes our favorite new STEM books of the year: picks that focus on physics, math, motion, light, engineering, space, and problem-solving, tailored for curious readers in grades K–12. Whether you’re a teacher, homeschool parent, or gift-giver looking to inspire a young mind, these are the stories and explorations we recommend first.
No fluff. No filler. Just imaginative, well-told science that sticks.
🧸STEM Books for Kids Grades K-2 and Up
Codebreaker Charlotte by Cedar Wang
Grades K-2
Charlotte’s birthday card comes with a secret code: one that sends her on a puzzle-filled quest that uncovers family history and England’s real codebreaking efforts during WWII. Kids are invited to decode messages and explore actual locations like Bletchley Park and the River Cam. Ideal for young readers who love secret messages, this book combines adventure with history and includes interactive elements for decoding practice.
Skybound! by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Grades: K–2
Meet Mary Myers, a fearless 19th-century aeronaut who took to the skies in balloons to gather data on flight and the atmosphere. This biography combines adventure, engineering, and a pioneering spirit. Great for introducing young readers to early female scientists and the tools of observation and experimentation.
Up Periscope! by Jennifer Swanson
Grades: K–2, 3–5
Discover how Raye Montague broke barriers in the U.S. Navy by developing the first computer program to design ships. This powerful story showcases the power of determination, creativity, and engineering as a force for equity. A perfect read to inspire future inventors and coders.
The Shape of Things: How Mapmakers Picture Our World by Dean Robbins
Grades: K–2, 3–5
Maps are more than just directions; they’re windows into how we understand the world. This beautifully illustrated book takes kids on a journey through the history of cartography, from ancient cave drawings to modern digital maps. It’s perfect for visual learners and curious explorers who want to know how people have charted the globe through time.
Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
Grades: K–2, 3–5
In this beautifully illustrated biography, kids learn how a quiet boy in Budapest grew up to invent the Rubik’s Cube, the world’s most famous puzzle. They’ll explore the geometry and logic behind his invention, the curiosity that drove him, and how his toy became a global icon. It’s a great pick for kids who enjoy tinkering and thinking in 3D.
Whirligigs: The Wondrous Windmills of Vollis Simpson by Carole Boston Weatherford
Grades: K–2, 3–5
This joyful story introduces Vollis Simpson, a tinkerer who transformed scrap metal into towering wind-powered whirligigs. Blending engineering, creativity, and art, this book shows kids how curiosity and hands-on work can lead to beautiful, lasting inventions. A great story to spark a love of mechanics and making.
🔍STEM Books for Kids Grades 3-5 and Up
How Do You Turn Data into Drawings? by Clayton Grider
Grades: 3–5
This playful and accessible guide introduces young learners to data, graphs, and patterns; big STEM ideas explained with humor and colorful charts. Kids will learn how to collect data, create graphs, and understand what the numbers mean, all while having fun. Activities in the back encourage hands-on practice and exploration.
Planning Grandma’s Party by Lenka Chytilova & Helena Harastova
Grades: 3–5
What do physics and math have to do with throwing a birthday party? Everything! This story-based STEM book blends measurement, fractions, and real-world science as kids help plan Grandma’s celebration. A perfect introduction to how STEM applies in everyday life, from baking cakes to picking presents, with fun illustrations and playful questions.
Unlocking the Universe: The Cosmic Discoveries of the Webb Space Telescope by Suzanne Slade
Grades: 3–5, 6–8
Follow the awe-inspiring journey of NASA’s Webb Space Telescope: from engineering marvel to scientific powerhouse. This book explains the teamwork, innovation, and persistence required to send the most powerful space telescope ever built into orbit. Reviewed for accuracy by the Webb team, it’s a fascinating peek into modern astronomy.
Emma Ren: Robot Engineer by Jenny Lu
Grades: 3–5, 6–8
Emma Ren is a young builder with big ideas, but when her classmate says girls can't build robots, she decides to prove him wrong. This story walks through the engineering design process (ask, imagine, plan, create, test, improve) with heart and humor. A great read-aloud that introduces real STEM principles while celebrating perseverance and creative thinking.
💡STEM Books for Middle School Students (Grades 6-8 and Up)
The Wild River and the Great Dam by Simon Boughton
Grades: 6–8
Explore the history and science behind the Hoover Dam: from its Depression-era origins to its present-day environmental impacts. A balanced, compelling introduction to large-scale engineering, water management, and social trade-offs. Includes historical photographs and first-person accounts.
The Enigma Girls by Candace Fleming
Grades: 6-8, 9-12
A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, this gripping nonfiction title tells the story of teenage girls working at the secretive Bletchley Park in WWII. They helped break Nazi ciphers and change the course of the war with their sophisticated math, decoding abilities, and unwavering bravery. This book encourages young readers to go into a little-known period of history where youth, wit, and fortitude had a tangible impact through images and Fleming's lucid storytelling.
Did You Know? 100 Crazy Facts for Kids About Space by Lilly Cunningham
Grades: 6-8, 9-12
Space is full of surprises, like growing taller in zero gravity or astronauts wearing diapers. This bite-sized trivia book is packed with fun, strange, and unforgettable space facts perfect for science lovers and reluctant readers alike. Colorful illustrations and laugh-out-loud details make this one a favorite for classroom downtime or long car rides.
🌟STEM Books for High School Students (Grades 9-12)
Fairy Tale Physics: Books 1–4 by Sarah Allen
Grades: 9–12 and up
This exquisitely illustrated series makes science entertaining and approachable by fusing physics with fairy tales. Newton's principles, fluid mechanics, light, gravity, and other fundamental physics concepts are taught through captivating stories in each book's wonderful adventure. In order to stimulate interest and enhance comprehension, the series also incorporates scientific explanations, debate topics, and practical exercises.
✏️ Classroom Bonus Pick
Exploring Science Throughout the Year by Fatema Ghazi
Grades: 4–5
This workbook covers a full year of learning for fourth and fifth grade students with 36 weeks of interesting daily science activities. Through reading comprehension, labeling diagrams, writing tasks, and vocabulary practice, students will investigate Life, Earth, Space, and Physical Science, guaranteeing a comprehensive science education all year long.
🎁 How to Use This List
Match your students' interests or your curriculum goals. Many of these books are quick reads packed with lasting ideas and some double as surprising gifts for young learners who don't know yet how much they love science.
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