The best space books for kids and teens will cover a range of topics. We’ve selected some of the best-selling and most iconic titles to add to your library. Parents and caregivers will like the emphasis on the root (opens in a new tab) (science, technology, engineering, and math) along with these books’ encouragement of diverse topics. Children will also like to learn about these things, while enjoying the illustrations and, in some cases, developing their literacy skills by reading about space topics that they enjoy. We have selected the best space books for children that have appeared recently. Some of these books are science fiction, while others focus more on biographies or activities. the goal is to give your teens and kids several entry points into space to see where their interests will take them next. Embedded in these books will be some things that veteran space explorers will appreciate. There are references to what it means to be a planet, which is relevant for Pluto fans (opens in a new tab). There are stories of interesting people who made a difference despite systemic obstacles, including Mercury 13 (Opens in a new tab) or Hidden Figures (Opens in a new tab). There are also wonderful space images (opens in a new tab) taken from Earth or other celestial locations, showing the beauty of our universe to those who are open to seeing it. We hope these books will encourage your child or teen to keep reading and learning about foundational topics that are meaningful to them. Many of us at space.com first became interested in space when we were quite young, so we know the power of a good story to attract new people to the field. good luck!
And for adults or older teens looking for something more age-appropriate, we also offer our guides to the best astronomy books and the best science fiction books.
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best space books for kids (under 12)
Aimed at ages 5-7, this book by a former NASA scientist gives kids a great introduction to the sky. They will learn about planets, constellations, and other big goals. learning is reinforced through engaging activities (science, technology, engineering, and math) that are kid-friendly.
The book is also richly illustrated, which can help younger readers who may not be comfortable with all the terminology. With an astounding 160 pages available, youngsters will finish this book able to find at least a few things in the night sky. They’ll also have a handy entry point for further research, especially since the book includes a list of resources at the end, like educational videos for kids.
Aimed at ages 4-8, this book is a richly illustrated, simplified version of the “hidden figures” story that also appeared in Hollywood and in a best-selling adult book. The book presents the biographies of four black women who worked at NASA in the early 1960s, facing barriers like segregation and sexism to help astronauts of the time land on the moon.
The book is an example of how people behind the scenes can make a difference, but it also serves as a good talking point about equity, diversity, and inclusion in young audiences. while the book has a more biographical focus and less narrative aspect, the four women themselves are good examples of how diversity can make a difference in the space exploration and science fields.
Aimed at ages 3-5, this book serves as an up-to-date introduction to the planets of our solar system. Some readers may not be happy that Pluto is not officially designated as a planet, which does not fit the opinion of all astronomers. but overall, the book has a rich diversity of worlds in the solar system, including dwarf planets.
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Illustrations can sometimes be a little underwhelming, but they complement the facts perfectly. even the youngest children will be able to remember interesting information about the worlds around us, thanks to this book. Overall, the book serves as a great starting point for curious kids looking to learn more about the universe, and is a perfect introduction to astronomy and science.
Aimed at ages 8 to 11, your hands-on youngsters will appreciate this stem-packed activity book. This book is part of a larger series focused on women in fields like engineering and coding. this particular edition focuses on astronauts, showcasing the types of science that this profession demands in orbit. Better yet, kids can try simplified versions of science on their own.
While the book only focuses on a few people, it illustrates the roles of astronauts of various genders and how they contribute to space exploration. qr codes will help children start their own exploration by watching tedx talks or other videos that deal with science topics similar to those in the book.
aimed at “beginning readers” ages 5-8, parents (and children) who enjoy dr. seuss stories will appreciate this entry on planets. The book reviews what the authors consider to be the eight planets in our solar system, so keep in mind that kids who are familiar with the debate about the planet Pluto will have some questions to ask.
The age of the book shows through at times, including a rude Uranus joke that today’s kids may feel uncomfortable repeating. but the elements of dr. seuss are otherwise timeless, with rich illustrations, interesting characters, and tongue-twisting rhymes that will leave you and your child laughing as you go.
best space books for teens (ages 13-17)
Aimed at ages 12 and up, this comprehensive set of 23 female biographies describes women who have worked in space or done much to support its exploration. Readers who want to learn more about Mercury 13, or who want to read about female firsts in countries around the world, will greatly enjoy this book.
Although the illustrations are small and the text sometimes leans a bit towards sexism, it shows the reality and the difficulties of the first female space explorers. Readers interested in fields ranging from the sciences to engineering will also be inspired, as the book talks a bit about the work these women did in space to advance these fields.
Aimed at ages 14 and up, this book quickly takes you on a teenage romance between boys that takes place shortly after a disaster in space. All three main characters are very believable teenagers, and readers often say that their main complaint is that they want to learn more about what happened after the events of the book.
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With authenticity at its core and space as a breathtaking backdrop, the story is a grand exploration of what it means to grow up in the midst of adverse circumstances. while sometimes we have less about space and more about plot, this is a fictional novel after all. in 400 pages, happily, we will have the opportunity to travel with these characters for a while.
Aimed at teens ages 14 or 15 and up, “dune” is, of course, a classic series now passing through its third generation of readers. fans of the 2021 film, or any of the comics or other introductions to the story, will appreciate the chance to dive into the story in detail. however, given the price of this set, you may want to invest in one book at a time to slow down your spending.
“Dune” is a remarkably prescient book for its time, given that it was written in 1965. Some readers may find elements dated in it, but the experience of being a teenager in a complex world still resonates a lot today. Today’s teens will also appreciate the equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts the young protagonist pursues, even when other forces are against him.
Aimed at young adults, this book aims to capture a variety of topics about astronomy and the universe in which we live. While much of the book is a story of where we got to today, it’s a richly illustrated journey with images, flowcharts, fact boxes, and other elements to keep today’s multimedia generation engaged.
biographies, of which there are many, at least highlight people of various genders who contribute to astronomical discoveries. the book is also not afraid to dive into the great debates of our time, whether it be how the big bang started the universe or what the actual definition of a planet should be.
For young readers and some adults, this book is a beautiful tour of our solar system through the eyes of telescopes, spacecraft, and other cosmic visitors. you’ll get a short but excellent tour of topics ranging from planets to galaxies. the images are second to none and the information serves as a guide to further information.
Advanced readers will enjoy this book more, although they may find that they don’t delve as deeply into the subject as they would like. The book, however, seeks to touch on many topics, which means you can use each section as a further reading guide to discover more about our fascinating universe.
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