“Science Fiction” for Kids: Combining Facts with Fiction

STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math, and as a kid, I had a love for it all way before it had a cool acronym. Throughout school, I had always been more interested in science and math courses, drawn to facts and messy experiments. History, English literature, and writing? Not for me! I love learning about how things work or how volcanoes form or what happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda or what ingredients do you need to make the best slime. A lot of our patrons at MCLS love them too - we have an extensive collection of over 5,000 science books in our juvenile nonfiction section! They range from fact books about animals and space to dinosaurs and fossils. We even have books featuring hands-on experiments for kids to try at home (or at the library - I use a lot of these ideas in my Mini Scientists programs where we introduce simple science concepts to toddlers and preschoolers). Check out this recent blog by Miss Grace at the Hickory Corner Branch for some of her favorite non-fiction science experiment books. These books are great for sparking interest in science in kids - what kid doesn’t like to conduct an experiment themselves and see the results with their own eyes?

In addition to my love of science, I have also always been a reader, especially drawn to realistic stories and mystery books. I was the kid who always had a book in her hand -and still do whenever I have free time! But what about combining science and stories? Are there books combining facts with fiction? Of course! I wish I had books like this when I was younger. Luckily, kids nowadays do and we have a great collection at MCLS ranging from picture books up to chapter books. I love the way most of the books use simple science topics and ideas to solve a mystery, which is really what science is all about. Some of my favorites include…

Picture Books

Maisy First Science book series by Lucy Cousins

Recommended for ages 2-4 years old

This science series features titles such as Maisy’s World of Animals, Maisy’s Moon Landing, and more. Fun, interactive, lift-the-flap and pull-the tab features teach children about different science topics as Maisy explores and discovers.

The Loves Science series by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes (illustrated by Vashti Harrison and Joelle Murray)

Recommended for ages 3-8 years old

In the first book in the series, Cece Loves Science, Cece’s parents say she was born asking questions: Why? How? What if? So, when her science teacher assigns a project about zoology, inquisitive Cece sets out to find the answer to one of life’s most pressing questions - do dogs eat vegetables? With her adorable (and hungry!) dog Einstein as her case study, Cece uses science to uncover the answer. This series features both picture books and easy reader fiction books, perfect for a budding reader interested in science.

Charlotte the Scientist by Camille Andros (illustrated by Brianne Farly)

Recommended for ages 4-7 years old

Charlotte is a serious scientist. She solves important problems by following the scientific method. She has all the right equipment: protective glasses, a lab coat, a clipboard, and a magnifying glass. What she doesn’t have is space. She has so many brothers and sisters (she is a rabbit, after all) that she is too squished to work on her experiments! Can she use science to solve her problem? This funny, satisfying story is a playful introduction to the scientific method and perfect for sparking an interest in STEM subjects.

The Questioneers series by Andrea Beaty (illustrated by David Roberts)

Picture books – for ages 3-6 years old, chapter books – for ages 6-9 years old

Featuring both picture books and chapter books, this series has titles such as Ada Twist, Scientist and Rosie Revere, Engineer. Celebrate STEM, the power of perseverance, and standing up for what you believe in!

Chapter Books

Zoey and Sassafras series by Asia Citro (illustrated by Mario Lindsay)

Recommended for ages 4-8 years old

With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure…this series has something for everyone! In the first book, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong. Will they be able to help little Marshmallow before it’s too late?

The Sydney and Taylor series by Jacqueline Davies (illustrated by Deborah Hocking)

Recommended for ages 6-9 years old

Sydney is a skunk and Taylor is a hedgehog, but no matter how odd the pairing may seem, their friendship comes naturally. They live happily in their cozy burrow . . . until the day Taylor gets his Big Idea to go see the Whole Wide World. From mountains taller than a hundred hedgehogs, valleys wider than a thousand skunks, to the dangers that lie in the human world, Sydney and Taylor want to see it all. With a map and a dream, they bravely set off, soon discovering that the world is much bigger than they realized.

The Magnificent Makers series by Theanne Griffith (illustrated by Reggie Brown)

Recommended for ages 7-10 years old

The Magnificent Makers series is filled with science, adventure, and characters that readers will love! In the first book, when Pablo, Violet, and Deepak discover a magical makerspace, they can’t wait to check it out! The Maker Maze has cool science games and puzzles behind every door. When they enter the portal, they find a wacky scientist who will be their guide as they master the science concepts they are learning in school. 

Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing (illustrated by Christine Almeda)

Recommended for ages 8-12 years old

Maya’s nervous about fifth grade, especially once she finds out her best friends are in a different class! Just when too much seems to be changing, she finds a robot named Ralph in the back of Mr. Mac’s convenience store closet. Once she uses her science skills to get him up and running, a whole new world of connection opens up as Ralph becomes a member of her family and Maya begins to step into her power.

These are just a small sample of the books available in MCLS. Stop by your nearest branch and explore! These books are perfect for those kids who have an endless number of questions about how things work. Spark your child’s interest in science!

- by Miss Lauren, Lawrence Branch