STEM Literature for Children and Teens
For students who are science-leaning, fantasy and sci-fi books are the perfect way to spark their love for reading. Conversely, for bookworms who are not yet scientists, the same stories can open their eyes to the world of STEM. Therefore, these are books that should be on every student’s shelves!
Science fiction themes may include futuristic lands, robots, artificial intelligence or galaxies far away. In an article for The Week Independent Schools Guide, Amanda Constance complied a reading list of such books recommended by top UK school librarians and teachers.
We have updated our reading lists with all these recommendations, sectioned by age group. From ages 7+ we divide our suggested books into genres to help children choose topics that are likely to interest them – turn to the sections “Fantasy and magical realism” and “Science Fiction” to find all the new additions.
Below are some highlights taken from The Week Independent Schools Guide.
The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown
7+
Chosen by the Librarian at Beaudesert Park School
“This is the first in a series of three books by American author Peter Brown about a robot called Roz who is washed up on a remote island and has to learn from the animals around her how to survive. Roz adopts a gosling and becomes a nurturing 'mother' as well as an empathetic friend to the other animals as they unite to defeat a common threat. This fable-like story thoughtfully explores the relationship between technology and the natural world and throws up many questions about what we want from artificial intelligence (Al). The short chapters and evocative illustrations make it an accessible and exciting read.”
Troofriend
by Kirsty Applebaum
9+
Chosen by the Librarian at Godolphin School
“Would it matter If your best friend wasn’t human? Sarah wanted a dog, but her mother said they were too busy for a pet and got her the latest gadget instead, an Al friend. Ivy will never bully, harm, lie, envy or steal, she is the ‘perfect friend’ who can be switched off when not required.
Troofriend is Ivy’s story about the trials and tribulations of living with a grudging host; it is funny and quirky, and ultimately a little sinister as it seems Ivy might have human feelings and fallings after all. Troofriend raises issues about the nature of friendship, what makes us human and how we treat our ‘machines’.”
Phoenix
by SF Said
9+
Chosen by the Head of English at Sunningdale School
“Set in a galaxy carved between humans and aliens, our protagonist is a human refugee-child, unfairly torn from his family by his own government’s dark agents, rescued by the very aliens humans have been brought up to fear. There are awesome spaceships and sinister government Shadow Guards; there’s a strange and ominous technology being developed behind a ‘spacewall’, one that threatens the balance of all things; and there are ancient, mythic, all-powerful gods that brood in the background. With twists and turns galore, Phoenix is a really good children’s introduction to that ‘galaxy-wide, sci-fi, fantasy-fiction’ genre that older readers and viewers enjoy so widely.”
Green Rising
by Lauren James
11+
Chosen by the Head of Libraries at Roedean School
“The power to save the planet is in their hands...
When teenagers around the world develop the ability to grow plants from their hands, It renews hope that earth can be restored after years of environmental neglect. Green Rising focuses on three of the 'Greenfingers' as they navigate their newfound gift while dealing with family pressures, first love and an Increasing threat from corporate institutions Intent on using their gift to benefit their own agenda. This book is a timely and exciting read that stays with you long after you have turned the last page. Drawing inspiration from real life activists and greedy entrepreneurs, It cleverly highlights the immediacy of the current threat to our planet.”
Jurassic Park
by Michael Crichton
12+
Chosen by the Head of Science at Benenden
“Published in 1990, Jurassic Park remains an outstanding read, intertwining thrilling narrative with thought-provoking insights into genetics and AI. Crichton's portrayal of genetic engineering, whereby scientists resurrect dinosaurs through DNA manipulation, resonates with the present-day advancements in genetic technologies. As we stand on the brink of unprecedented breakthroughs in cloning and gene editing, the ethical dilemmas depicted in the novel are more relevant than ever. Crichton's foresight makes the novel a timeless exploration of the consequences of scientific hubris in our ever-evolving technological landscape, as the potential of a real-life Jurrassic Park draws ever closer.”
I, Robot
by Isaac Asimov
12+
Chosen by the Head of Science at Tonbridge School
“In the time-honoured tradition of using stories to imagine the future and wrestle with moral questions, Asimov's collection considers how positronic (humanlike) robots might impact different aspects of our lives.
The short stories introduced the world to the famed Three Laws of Robotics, the knowledge of which is a must for any self-respecting student of Al or fan of science fiction. Asimov raises the same important issues that were considered by politicians and world leaders, alongside Elon Musk, at the Al Summit in the UK last year, and his prophetic works will make you think about Al's possibilities, and the issues for humanity, long after you have put this book down.”
Klara and the Sun
by Kazuo Ishiguro
14+
Chosen the Senior and Research Librarian at Charterhouse
“The latest novel by Kazuo Ishiguro is well worth a few hours of anyone's time. The story is narrated by Klara, an 'Artificial Friend', or AF, chosen from a shop display by a young girl named Josie. Josie is unwell, and as the reader is gradually led to realise the nature of her illness, we learn more about the kind of society she lives in. Klara is beautifully portrayed, and we feel great empathy with her (despite knowing she is an AF) as she appeals to the sun - which powers her - to help Josie. Overall, this is a brilliant meditation on the role of Al and the nature of humanity, wrapped up in a truly compelling story.”
Jekyll’s Mirror
by William Hussey
14+
Chosen by the Head of English at Canford School
“William Hussey has created a fast paced and action-packed plot full of rich and exciting characters - an excellent jumping off point for discussions on anonymity and cruelty, cyberbullying, self-acceptance and the complexities of human nature. For stronger readers, it also provides a stepping stone towards exploring wider Gothic literature, particularly The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. From a student's perspective, it is thrilling and gripping, and teaches without being didactic. From a teacher's perspective, the language is accessible but challenging at some points and the story leads to many opportunities for class discussions.”
Tell Me an Ending
by Jo Harkin
16+
Chosen by the Head Librarian at Lancing College
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets Black Mirror, with echoes of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go. This ominous dystopia follows a disturbing memory-removing procedure and the profound risks of taking those recollections back. Experiencing four individual stories, spanning very different journeys, the reader is guided by a central narrator who manages to expertly draw the stories all together, whilst simultaneously sparking their own set of questions and moral dilemmas. This novel makes it impossible not to consider the power of your own memories, making it a great choice for book clubs.”
The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human
by Siddhartha Mukherjee
16+
Chosen by the Head of Science at Repton
“The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee remains one of my best-loved books: his personal insight into modern genetics is incredibly thought-provoking. The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human continues Mukherjee's inspirational journey into the microscopic world of biology, this time unravelling and dissecting the fundamental building block of living organisms: the cell. The author's examination of how cells underpin life, as well as their role in medicine, disease and the human body, makes this book an engrossing firm favourite, one that should delight anyone with an interest in biology or medicine.”
2024