STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has become more critical than ever in today’s rapidly evolving world. For teens, in particular, STEM books can open up new worlds and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. But with so many options out there, which ones are the best? This article explores the top 10 STEM books for teens.
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Table of Contents
Why STEM Books are Important for Teens
Right now, we are witnessing unprecedented advancement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These fields drive our future, shaping everything from how we live, communicate, and work to how we solve our most pressing global challenges.
As such, it’s crucial for teens, the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow, to be well-versed in these areas. STEM books play a pivotal role in this regard. They provide knowledge and inspire interest and passion in these subjects.
STEM books can expose teens to new ideas, innovations, and possibilities, helping them to envision a future where they can be the creators of new technologies or the discoverers of scientific breakthroughs. They can help teens see the relevance and applicability of what they learn in their math and science classes, making these subjects more engaging and less intimidating.
Best STEM Books for Teens
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
This novel is a unique blend of classic fairy tale and futuristic science fiction. Cinder, a cyborg with a mysterious past, lives with her cruel stepmother and two stepsisters in the bustling city of New Beijing. Despite the prejudice and discrimination she faces due to her cyborg status, Cinder is an exceptional mechanic, a skill that becomes crucial as the plot unfolds.
When her life becomes intertwined with that of Prince Kai, she finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle. As Cinder uncovers secrets about her past, she must decide who she truly is and where her loyalties lie. The book explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the intersection of technology and humanity.
You can see the current price of Cinder here.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Set in the harrowing times of World War II, this novel tells the story of two young women, Maddie and Queenie, who form an unlikely friendship. Maddie is a civilian pilot, and Queenie is a spy, both working for the British military.
When Queenie is captured by the Nazis in occupied France, the story unfolds through her written confession, where she narrates her friendship with Maddie and their adventures together. The book is a tribute to the often overlooked contributions of women in war, particularly in fields like engineering and aviation, and a poignant exploration of friendship, courage, and resilience.
This book is available in hardcover and other formats here.
Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
Kate Grable is a high school student with aspirations to become a doctor. She volunteers as a medical advisor for her school’s football team, but her life takes a turn for the bizarre when the players start exhibiting zombie-like symptoms.
With her medical knowledge and scientific reasoning, Kate must figure out what’s causing the outbreak and find a cure before it’s too late.
The book is a fun and thrilling mix of science, horror, and high school drama, showcasing the importance of scientific knowledge and critical thinking in solving problems.
Bad Taste in Boys is available in Kindle and other formats here.
3:59 by Gretchen McNeil
Josie Byrne’s life is far from perfect. Her parents are divorcing, she’s losing touch with her boyfriend, and she’s struggling with her physics class.
But when she goes to sleep, she dreams of a parallel universe where everything is better. When she discovers that this parallel universe is real and that her doppelgänger, Jo, lives there, Josie must use her scientific knowledge to understand the phenomenon and make a life-altering decision.
The book delves into the concept of parallel universes, a topic in theoretical physics, and explores themes of identity, choices, and the consequences of our decisions.
You can see all the formats and current prices here.
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
Kate Malone is a high school senior who lives her life by the scientific method: formulate a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, and evaluate the results. She’s a straight-A student and a long-distance runner, and she’s got her heart set on attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
But when her college application process doesn’t go as planned, Kate’s carefully controlled world is thrown into chaos. As she navigates a series of unexpected events and personal challenges, Kate learns that life, much like science, is full of unpredictability and change.
What makes this book great is that it explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the parallels between life and scientific principles.
You can check availably for this book here.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius who is obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions. She finds it comforting to count by 7s, and her world is orderly and predictable. But when her adoptive parents die in a car crash, her world is turned upside down.
With the help of an unlikely group of friends, Willow navigates her way through this tragedy, using her unique perspective and love for nature and medicine to heal and find her place in the world.
The book is a moving exploration of grief, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.
This book is available in hardcover and other formats here.
The Evolution of Calpurnia Virginia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Set in Texas in 1899, the book follows the story of eleven-year-old Calpurnia Virginia Tate, or Callie Vee. Callie Vee is more interested in exploring the natural world and studying science than in conforming to the traditional gender roles of her time.
With the help of her grandfather, an avid naturalist, she navigates her way through societal expectations and embarks on a journey of scientific discovery.
The book offers a glimpse into the world of biology and natural science, and it explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the pursuit of knowledge.
You can find The Evolution of Calpurnia Virginia Tate here.
Alice Jones: The Impossible Clue by Sarah Rubin
I know this book is for early teens and kids, but it’s still a great read for anyone.
Alice Jones is a middle school student with a knack for math and a reputation for solving mysteries. When a famous scientist goes missing, and the only clue is a riddle about time, Alice uses her mathematical skills and logical reasoning to crack the case.
The book is a thrilling mystery that showcases the practical application of mathematics and logical problem-solving, and it explores themes of friendship, family, and the pursuit of truth.
You can check availably for this book here.
Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science – and the World by Rachel Swaby
This book is a collection of short, enlightening biographies of 52 women who have contributed significantly to various STEM fields.
From pioneers like Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin to lesser-known but equally important figures like Barbara McClintock and Gertrude Elion, the book highlights the groundbreaking work of these women and the challenges they overcame in their respective fields.
Each profile provides an overview of the woman’s life, her key contributions, and the impact of her work. The book not only provides a historical perspective on women in STEM but also serves as an inspiration for young readers, particularly girls, who are interested in these fields.
You can check availably for this book here.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
This Newbery Medal-winning book tells the story of Luna, a girl who is accidentally fed moonlight by a witch and gains magical abilities. As Luna grows up, she must learn to control her magic and uncover the truth about her past. While primarily a fantasy story, the book also explores themes of knowledge, learning, and understanding.
Luna’s journey to control her magic can be seen as a metaphor for the scientific process: she must observe, experiment, and learn from her mistakes. The book also emphasizes the importance of questioning and seeking truth, much like in the STEM fields.
The story is a celebration of the power of knowledge and the importance of pursuing understanding, whether in magic or in STEM.
This book is available in hardcover and other formats here.
In search of more STEM-related reads? Don’t miss our meticulously curated article, ‘Best STEM Books for Middle School: Hands-on Reviews.’ Dive into our handpicked selection and discover a treasure trove of top-notch STEM books perfect for middle schoolers.
Benefits of Teens Reading STEM Books
STEM books offer numerous benefits beyond just imparting knowledge. Here are some of them:
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
STEM books often present problems or challenges and then guide the reader through the process of finding a solution. This can help teens develop problem-solving skills, teaching them how to approach a problem.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Many STEM books require readers to think critically, question what they know, and form their own understanding of concepts. This can foster a mindset of inquiry and skepticism that is essential in the scientific world.
Stimulate Curiosity and Imagination
STEM books can stimulate teens’ curiosity about the world around them. They can inspire questions, provoke thought, and ignite a desire to learn more. Furthermore, many STEM concepts require a good deal of imagination to fully grasp (think of envisioning an atom or imagining the vastness of the universe).
Reading about these concepts can help teens develop this ability to think abstractly and imagine possibilities.
Make Learning Fun for Teens
STEM books can present complex concepts in a fun and engaging way. They can use stories, characters, and real-world examples to bring these concepts to life, making learning a joy rather than a chore. This can help teens develop a positive attitude towards these subjects and motivate them to learn more.
Prepare for Future Careers
With the increasing demand for STEM skills in many career fields, reading STEM books can help teens prepare for their future careers. They can gain a basic understanding of key concepts, learn about different STEM careers, and perhaps even discover a passion for a particular field.
How to Choose the Right STEM Book for Your Teen
Choosing the right STEM book for your teen can indeed be a challenging task, given the vast array of options available. However, with a thoughtful approach, you can select a book that not only educates but also engages and inspires your teen.
Consider Their Interests
The first step in choosing STEM books for teens is to consider your teen’s interests. Do they love space and the stars? Are they fascinated by the inner workings of the human body? Do they love solving puzzles and mathematical problems?
Or are they interested in how things work and love building and creating things? Identifying their interests can help you choose a book that they will find engaging and enjoyable.
Assess the Difficulty Level
It’s also important to consider the difficulty level of the book. You want to challenge your teen, but not to the point where they feel overwhelmed and lose interest. Look for books that are age-appropriate and match your teen’s reading level and comprehension. If a book is too easy, they might get bored; if it’s too hard, they might get frustrated.
Identify the Skills They Hope to Gain
What skills does your teen hope to gain from reading the book? Are they looking to improve their problem-solving skills? Do they want to learn more about a specific scientific concept? Or are they hoping to explore potential career paths in STEM? Identifying these goals can help you choose a book that meets their needs.
Look for Engaging Content
STEM books that present information in an engaging and interactive way can make learning more enjoyable. Look for books with real-world examples, hands-on activities, and engaging illustrations or diagrams.
Books that tell a story or present information in a narrative or conversational style can also be more engaging.
Read Reviews and Recommendations for Teens
Reviews and recommendations can provide valuable insights into a book’s content, writing style, and appropriateness for certain age groups. Look for reviews from reputable sources, and consider recommendations from teachers, librarians, or other parents.
Remember, the goal is to inspire a love of learning and a passion for STEM. So, choose a book that your teen will enjoy and that will fuel their curiosity and desire to learn.
FAQs – Best STEM Books for Teens
What Are STEM Books?
STEM books are books that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics topics.
Why Are STEM Books Important for Teens?
STEM books can help teens develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, stimulate curiosity, and inspire a love for these fields.
How Do I Choose the Right STEM Book for My Teen?
Consider your teen’s interests, the difficulty level of the book, and the skills they hope to gain.
Can STEM Books Help With Schoolwork?
Yes, STEM books can complement school learning and help teens understand complex concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Wrapping Up STEM Books for Teens
STEM books are a fantastic way for teens to explore complex topics, develop new skills, and ignite a passion for learning. By choosing the right book, you can help your teen discover a love for STEM that could shape their future career.
