KS2 / KS3: STEM book list

Celebrating all things STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) these non-fiction titles will inspire readers in KS2 and KS3 and encourage their curiosity.  Explore the universe, discover the wonder of our planet and find out who helped make some of the world's most important advances in STEM with this book list.  Don't forget to explore our resources for activities to help you make the most of these titles.

On the Origin of Species by Sabina Radeva

The first ever picture-book retelling of Charles Darwin's On The Origin of Species.

This accessible work brings evolution to the younger generation through stylish illustrations and a simple, easy-to-understand text.

The Green Planet by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, Kim Smith (Illustrator)

This is our Green Planet: a hidden world where plants care for other plants and can smell, taste, touch, hear and even . . . 'talk'. Discover all there is to love about our astonishing Green Planet, the stories of its inhabitants, and the challenges it faces. In collaboration with BBC Earth, this non-fiction book captures the intrigue, drama, and beauty of the groundbreaking new BBC TV series: The Green Planet.

Blue Planet II by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, Emily Dove (Illustrator)

With so much more to discover, take a deep breath . . . and dive into a wondrous world beneath the waves. Explore coral reefs that shimmer in a kaleidoscope of colours. Venture to the bottom of the ocean where creatures beyond your wildest imagination live in the dark. Chase sea otters through kelp forest seas, and glide the open ocean with humpback whales. Discover all there is to love about our Blue Planet, the stories of its inhabitants, and realise how you can help protect this wilderness beneath the waves.

Roald Dahl: George’s Marvellous Experiments by Roald Dahl

George Kranky created his own Marvellous Medicine to deal with his grizzly old grunion of a Grandma. You definitely can't do that at home (so don't even try!), but here's some amazing science that you can do!

From concocting home-made slime to creating your own volcano, these fun experiments are all easily done, following simple step-by-step instructions and using everyday household objects.

Inspired by Roald Dahl's terrific tale, this is the book for budding young scientists everywhere!

The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson

In 1969 history was made when the first humans stepped on the moon. Back on earth, one woman was running the numbers that ensured they got there and back in one piece.

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved maths. She went on to be one of the most important people in the history of space travel. Discover her incredible life story in this beautifully illustrated book complete with narrative biography, timelines and facts.

The Extraordinary Life of Neil Armstrong

One little boy who loved the idea of flying became the first person to set foot on the moon.

On 20 July 1969 Neil Armstrong made history, his 'giant leap for mankind'. From his childhood playing with model planes to becoming one of the most famous astronauts of all time, discover the incredible story of Neil Armstrong's life in this beautifully illustrated book, complete with narrative biography, facts and timelines.

The Extraordinary Life of Steve Jobs

The story of a modern creative genius. Ever heard of the iPhone? Steve Jobs, raised in California, was the co-founder of Apple, creator of the iPhone. He also played a major role in making Pixar what it is today. His technology transformed the way we live, and gave us objects we now cannot imagine living without. Get ready to discover his incredible story and the secrets of his success in this real-life account of his life and work.

The Extraordinary Life of Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was:

A physicist
A cosmologist
An author
One of the cleverest people who ever lived.

Discover more about the life of a man who is known for his incredible contribution to science in this beautifully illustrated book.

A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space by Libby Jackson

From small steps to giant leapsA Galaxy of Her Own tells fifty stories of inspirational women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space, from scientists to astronauts to some surprising roles in between. A Galaxy of Her Own reveals extraordinary stories, champions unsung heroes and celebrates remarkable achievements from around the world.

Kay's Anatomy: A Complete (and Completely Disgusting) Guide to the Human Body by Adam Kay

Do you ever think about your body and how it all works? Like really properly think about it? The human body is extraordinary and fascinating and, well . . . pretty weird. Yours is weird, mine is weird, your maths teacher's is even weirder. This book is going to tell you what's actually going on in there, and answer the really important questions. So sit back, relax, put on some rubber gloves, and let a doctor take you on a poo (and puke) filled tour of your insides. Welcome to Kay's Anatomy*.

*a fancy word for your body. See, you're learning already.

Kay's Marvellous Medicine: A Gross and Gruesome History of the Human Body by Adam Kay

The olden days were pretty fun if you liked wearing chainmail or chopping people's heads off but there was one TINY LITTLE problem back then . . . doctors didn't have the slightest clue about how our bodies worked. It's time to find out why Ancient Egyptians thought the brain was just a useless load of old stuffing that might as well be chucked in the bin, why teachers forced their pupils to smoke cigarettes, why hairdressers would cut off their customers' legs, and why people used to get paid for farting. (Unfortunately that's no longer a thing - sorry.)

Unlocking the Universe by Stephen Hawking, Lucy Hawking

Have you ever wondered how our universe began? Or what it takes to put humans on the moon? What would you do if you could travel through space and time? Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful collection of up-to-the-minute essays, mind-blowing facts and out-of-this-world colour photographs, by the world's leading scientists including Professor Stephen Hawking himself.

The Greatest Show on Earth by Mini Grey

Take your seats for the ENTIRE history of Planet Earth, as we take a whistle-stop tour from the birth of Earth, to the age of bacteria, the era of dinosaurs . . . to the moment of people (blink and you'll miss it).

Narrated by a friendly troop of insects and with mind-blowing, lively illustrations, this illustrated non-fiction book will entertain and educate, as we put on a show, the greatest show, the show of the evolution of life on Earth.

From internationally bestselling creator, Mini Grey, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal, this is her first non-fiction book and it's told with wit, humour and heart.