I had someone ask for some recommendations of books that have science content within them and as well as books with math content. These requests has made me realize that there may be other teachers out there that may want some of these same recommendations. Today I will share with you the science books I recommended and next week I’ll share the math books.
This list contains books I recommended to an 8th grade science teacher and mostly has books that are middle school and high school level. He wanted books that weren’t directly “science” books but that had science elements within them. Next to each book I’ve included how the book connects with the content. Also, many of these books are one of a series, so their sequels or companions would have science content as well.
The books listed include some I have read, some that were shared by the science teacher who asked me for the list, and books shared with me through Twitter when I asked for some help -Thank you to @mselke01 @thebrainlair @Hannahlily & @Loveofxena!
(List updated 9-2019)
(List updated 9-2019)
Meteor hits moon and the effects from the disaster
Space exploration, Space science
Meteorology
Medical (Virology), Yellow fever epidemic
Fictionalized account of same epidemic
Meteorology
Geology, Yellowstone eruption
Meteorology
Technology
Technology, Game simulation
Chiroptologist (Study of bats)
Alchemy, Medical
Plastic surgery, Technology, Oil contamination
Ornithology (Study of birds)
Animal testing, Chimp acquisition of language (ASL), Deafness
Zoology, Airships
NASA Apollo Mission, National Audubon Society
Space science (Low gravity, alien technology, space craft/station)
Robotics
Medical, Typhoid Epidemic
Genetic engineering, Mechanics
Microbiology, Flu epidemic, Quarantine
Everglades
Subsea settlement
Global warming, Oil
Linguistics, Animal testing, Chimp acquisition of language (ASL)
Space science, Space ship, Computer, Cryonics
Cloning
Sharks
Oceanography
Climbing Mt. Everest
Meteorology
Space race
Space Race
Teenager climbing Mt. Everest
Quantum physics, Philosophy
(and other Hiaasen middle grade books) Ecology, Zoology
Natural History, Evolution
Botany
Dinosaurs
Astronomy
Physics, Mechanics, Inventing
Geology
Androids, Cyborgs
Extinction, Conservation, Environment
Challenger expedition, Space
Bee extinction
(And its sequel) Science tinkering, Robots, Inventing, Other science topics
(And its sequel) Inventions, Problem Solving
(And its sequels) Fake news, Biology, Other science topics
Deafness, Sound waves, Marine biology
Spinal muscular atrophy
(And its sequels) Live tissue transplant, Rebuilding humans
Water loss in California
Virtual reality
Primatology
Genetics, Discovery, History of medicineHope this list is helpful!
What books would you add to the list?
What books would you add to the list?
17 Responses to Novels with Science Content
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Awesome list! I was just looking for this to expand my kids’ reading list by topics we’re covering in school work. Thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m glad that you found it useful 🙂
[…] Novels with Science Content […]
“The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the
Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth” by Tim Flannery; and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca
Skloot; and then there is A. Huxley’s “Brave New World.”
[…] "I thought this one was important to share again as we start a new school year and with Common Core (with content area literacy) looming, I thought it’d be a good resource. I have added more novels to the list since the original post (thanks to some helpful friends and more reading). " […]
Fizz: Nothing Is as It Seems
by
Zvi Schreiber
is great!!!1
[…] I found a great website with a list of science themed novels and books. This list is exactly what I’m looking for this year! I will be perusing them and figuring out which book me and the other science teacher my school want to use as a novel this year. We may end up choosing “Jurassic Park” due to the fact we already have numerous copies of it. My plan is to have my students read science toned texts of their choosing throughout the year and reflect upon them using kid blog. It’s a pretty neat little classroom blog website setup and I am excited to use it. This way my students understand the importance of writing and reflecting in relation to science literacy! […]
“Apollo’s Outcasts” by Allen Steele, 2012
Excellent recommendations. We love Stephen Hawking’s books and several others on this list. I would also add the middle grade novel Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything In It by Sundee T. Frazier, which deals with geology and mineralogy. You can read my review here.
[…] books – even if you teach secondary it’s nice to have some books on hand in case student has some down time. Look for science related titles. This website has a great list of fiction books that have a science theme. […]
I am an art historian, who writes books that embrace science. In my first book, The Crystal Navigator, is a middle grade fantasy that incorporates Newton’s study of optical fringes, chromatic aberration, and gravity. My second book, Mona Lisa’s Ghost, hinges on Einstein’s premise of consciousness-based reality, high tech gadgets, and Newton’s Third Law of motion.
Thanks so much. I game 3 middle school age children and this list helps
National Geographic 5000 Facts. My kids love this series of books. Lots of science facts then they go online and start reading about things they learned from the book. It holds kids attention. I have twin boys who are twelve and are dyslexic. They are both very smart and know complicated things and science, robotics, and coding. When books are layed out with lots of pictures then they pick up information easier. They pick up an interest them research and now research online. Do you have recommendations for dyslexic kid’s books?
Any ideas for middle school- physical science teachers? In life science we enjoyed “Charles and Emma”, “Code Orange”, “Double Helix” and “Fever 1793” (already listed). Thanks in advance!
Hi, i write middle grade fantasy/sci-fi adventures that feature a girl protagonist/daredevil and that combine themes of physics, art history, self esteem, and the importance of original thought. They were inspired by my Corgi, Wilbur who sat me down one day and told me a bunch of stories. He is a guide, helping lost children find themselves. The Crystal Navigator, Mona Lisa’s Ghost, and soon to be published The Gravity Thief. Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
Nancy Kunhardt Lodge, PhD
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