This summer, set your coordinates for the stars with our favorite space-themed books sure to get kids excited about STEM. These titles feature famous women who helped further our understanding of what lies beyond earth’s atmosphere.
From stories of early astronomers, to the women who helped the first astronauts to land on the moon, to the pioneering female astronauts who eventually got to space, too, these compelling picture books will inspire a love of science in any child.
Pick up a copy at your local library or independent bookseller and keep kids engaged with STEM, whether they’re on a family road trip or staying close to home.
Caroline’s Comets: A True Story
Written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully, for ages 6–9.
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Caroline Herschel, a smallpox survivor who was born in poverty in Germany in the eighteenth century and brought to England by her brother. Together, the two siblings built a telescope, which Caroline used to discover nebulae, galaxies, and a comet, leading to her fame as the first woman to work as a professional scientist.
To the Stars!: The First American Woman to Walk in Space
Written by Carmella Van Vleet and Kathy Sullivan and illustrated by Nicole Wong, for ages 6–9.
Kathy Sullivan, one of only six women chosen to join the NASA Astronaut Corps, became the first American woman to walk in space. From a young age, she pushed back against expectations of what women “should” do. Cowritten by Sullivan herself, this inspiring story shows kids what is possible when they persevere and follow their dreams.
Who Was Sally Ride?
Written by Megan Stine and illustrated by Ted Hammond, for ages 8–12
Part of the Who Was? series, this book charts the amazing course of astronaut and astrophysicist Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space. From her impressive academic career at Stanford to her joining NASA in 1978, her story continues to inspire.
Reaching for the Stars: A Mission to Space
Written by Roxanne Troup and illustrated by Amanda Lenz, ages 4–8
Featuring a blend of endearing illustrations and NASA’s full-color photographs of space, this delightful book follows the story of a group of astronauts, helmed by a strong female main character, whose mission is to land the first person of color and woman on the moon. With engaging rhymes and an introduction to STEM concepts, this book for younger readers serves as a wonderful way to get kids excited about space.
The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney
Written by Alice B. McGinty and illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle, for ages 4–8
Eleven-year-old Venetia Burney loves studying the planets and mythology in school. When she learns about a possible ninth planet in our solar system, she suggests the name Pluto. With her grandfather’s connections, word reaches the scientists who discovered it, and they vote to adopt Venetia’s suggestion. This biographical profile of Burney shows kids the wonders of space and how even at a young age, they can make an impact.
Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer
Written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Louise Pigott and Alex Oxton, for ages 4–8
Despite challenges with her eyesight and being discouraged by her teachers from studying astronomy because of her gender, Nancy Grace Roman persevered to turn her love for the stars into a career at NASA. There, the barrier-breaking scientist helped the new agency bring what is now known as the Hubble Space Telescope into being.
The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa
Written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley, for ages 5–10
Ellen Ochoa dreamed of becoming a flutist, but when she discovered engineering, she pursued her new calling in college. As a first-generation American and a woman in a male-dominated field, Dr. Ochoa overcame the odds to become a NASA astronaut and the first Latina to go to space, on the space shuttle Discovery. With vibrant illustrations and engaging rhymes, this biography of Ellen Ochoa will inspire young readers to follow their dreams all the way to the stars.
Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
Written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, for ages 5–9
In Counting on Katherine, readers captivated by the story of the mathematicians in Hidden Figures can learn more about one of the women whose brilliance helped make the Apollo 13 mission a success. In this biographical picture book, budding scientists and math lovers can follow along with Katherine Johnson’s journey from her beginnings as a young student who skipped grades, to her employment at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics—NASA’s predecessor—to her promotion to Project Mercury, where her genius propelled the first astronauts to the moon.
The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of
Written by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by Katherine Roy, for ages 7–11
A moving biography of Cecilia Payne, a Harvard-trained astrophysicist who was passionate about stars from a young age, The Fire of Stars will entrance readers with its beautifully rendered illustrations. It will keep them interested with a story about the life of a star, which parallels Payne’s own journey from curious child to groundbreaking scientist whose research in quantum physics paved the way for generations of scientists that followed.
If these books piqued your young reader’s interest, take the next step with STEM-focused learning opportunities and sign your child up for one of our STEMful summer programs. Check out our week long camps, or try us out with a drop-in day! Summer programs are available for kids ages 3.5 to 9.5.