Picture books are a powerful way to begin addressing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) stereotypes with young children.  Reading and discussing stories provides young readers and their grownups with the opportunity to explore a range of foundational STEM concepts through captivating narratives while also countering stereotypes about who can successfully pursue the sciences.

Unfortunately, diverse representation in children’s literature continues to be an issue so it can be hard for educators and caregivers to find books with relatable female protagonists and main characters of color (learn more from authors and experts in this webinar recording). To help you find diverse STEM picture books with fascinating stories, we have compiled a list of our favorite STEM and gender-equity-related picture books to kickstart your summer reading lists for young children. All the books on this list are targeted to kids around ages 3-8 years but can be adapted for use with slightly older or younger children. Let’s get reading! 

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty – This fun picture book follows the relatable character of Ada, who has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious! (If you have an account, check out the Netflix animated series Ada Twist, Scientist too!)

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty – From the same author as Ada Twist, this story follows Rosie through a journey of self-confidence and celebrating failure. Rosie eventually learns that mistakes are part of the process for achieving your dreams.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires – A girl and her dog work through a daunting and challenging task of creating the most magnificent thing. This beautifully illustrated story explores themes of patience and perseverance.

• Going Places by Paul A. Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds – When everyone is aiming to reach the finish line of the “going places contest” by go-cart, Maya sets out to achieve the same goal in a unique way by exploring alternative ways of approaching the contest. Going Places is an exciting story of creativity, collaboration, and charting a path of your own.

• How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk – In this Girls Who Code book, we are brought along to enjoy a day at the beach with Pearl and her robot friend, Pascal. This relatable and amusing story highlights the usefulness of coding concepts in achieving goals.  

• How to Code a Rollercoaster by Josh Funk – Another Girls Who Code picture book that follows Pearl and Pascal as they navigate a day at the amusement park using code.

• What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns by Katherine Locke – Filled with bright, graphic illustrations, this simple and poignant story about finding yourself is the perfect introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns for readers of all ages. This book is a useful read-aloud for adults and kids alike!

• Lily and Maia: A Dinosaur Adventure by Jack Horner – Written by Jack Horner, the world-famous scientist of Jurassic Park fame, this children's book about dinosaurs, families, friendship, science, and fantasy time-travel is a compelling STEM read-aloud for parents and young readers. Lily, an empowered third grade girl who loves dinosaurs and considers herself a paleontology expert tells her story in this richly illustrated book of juvenile fiction. Learn more about how to use books like Lily and Maia to spark young girls’ interest in interdisciplinary STEM learning in this NGCP webinar.

• Room to Read – STEAM Powered Careers Collection – Looking for a large collection of STEAM picture books that can be used in the classroom or informal learning contexts? This collection presents 10 science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics-themed books to inspire first through third graders about the wide variety of groundbreaking and exciting STEAM careers that they can start exploring right now. Created in collaboration with scientists, staff and faculty from the University of Southern California (USC), the collection explores topics ranging from polar science to gastroenterology to nanotechnology and more. The books feature a trio of fun characters and their animal friends, with each title illustrating a day in the life of a working USC scientist, many of whom come from underrepresented communities in STEAM. Each book highlights the present and future of a unique field and offers resources and more information for classroom use. Best of all? The books are available digitally for FREE in both English and Spanish - and there are even free lesson plans to accompany them!

Want to learn more about how children’s books can be used to break stereotypes and inspire girls – and all youth? Check out the recording of our webinar Breaking Stereotypes through Children’s Books hosted by NGCP featuring Katherine Locke, author of What Are Your Words? and Dr. DJ Kast, of the USC Room to Read STEAM Powered Careers Collection.

Other Helpful Resources:

• NGCP: Five Ways to Counter STEM Stereotypes in Children and Youth
• Edutopia: The Magic of STEM-Related Read-Alouds in Elementary School
• USC Rosier School of Education: STEAM Books for Children Reflect a Diverse Community
• Room to Read’s STEAM Book Collection: Video Overview of the Collection
• A Mighty Girl: Science and Technology Books