By Srihitha Sunkara
Are you looking for STEM books to engage young readers and foster critical thinking skills? We’ve curated a list of five captivating books that do just that. These books are informative and enjoyable, making them perfect for students in grades 3-5. Plus, they can be found in your local library, bookstore, or online retailer. Here are five engaging STEM books to inspire elementary school students.
1. “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty
Rosie is a young engineer who loves to build gadgets and gizmos. When her great-great-aunt Rose inspires her, Rosie embarks on a mission to create something unique. This book is a picture book suitable for grades 3-5. You can find “Rosie Revere, Engineer” at your local library, bookstore, or online retailers like IndieBound. This book encourages children to embrace curiosity, creativity, and resilience when solving problems, essential skills in STEM fields. It empowers young minds to believe in their abilities to engineer solutions.
2. “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires
This picture book tells the story of a young girl who sets out to create the “most magnificent thing.” Along the way, she faces challenges and learns the importance of perseverance and problem-solving. This picture book is suitable for all ages, especially for grades 3-5. You can find “The Most Magnificent Thing” at your local library, bookstore, or online retailers like Amazon. This book teaches the engineering design process and the importance of trial and error in problem-solving. It encourages creative thinking and resilience when faced with challenges.
3. “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin” by Julia Finley Mosca
This book follows Temple Grandin’s life, showcasing her unique way of thinking and her incredible contributions to animal science. Despite facing challenges associated with autism, she pursued her passion and revolutionized the livestock industry with her humane livestock handling designs. The book is about 40 pages, suitable for grades 3-5. It is available at local bookstores, Barnes & Noble, or your local library. This STEM book encourages critical thinking by illustrating Temple Grandin’s unique thought process and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. It emphasizes perseverance, passion, and utilizing one’s special abilities to succeed in STEM.
4. “The Water Princess” by Susan Verde
Princess Gie Gie dreams of bringing clean, fresh water to her African village. This story captures her dreams, determination, and the daily challenges of securing this basic necessity. It’s a tale of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The book is approximately 40 pages, best for grades 3-5. It is available at local bookstores, Amazon, or your local library. This book prompts critical thinking by addressing the global issue of clean water access. It encourages empathy, problem-solving, and discussions about essential global challenges.
5. “The Watcher” by Jeanette Winter
This picture book tells the story of Dr. Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking work studying chimpanzees in Tanzania. It highlights her observations and the importance of patience and dedication in scientific research. This picture book is suitable for grades 3-5. You can find “The Watcher” at your local library, bookstore, or online retailers like Bookshop. Dr. Goodall’s story demonstrates how careful observations and critical thinking can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in zoology. It inspires young readers to appreciate the wonders of the natural world.
These five grades 3-5 STEM books are fascinating and perfect for nurturing critical thinking skills. They encourage young readers to explore, question, and solve problems—essential qualities for future STEM leaders. As you immerse yourself in these stories, consider taking your passion for STEM to the next level by starting an NSTEM chapter at your school. Join a community of STEM enthusiasts and embark on exciting STEM adventures!
Do you want more resources on the topic of STEM books? NSTEM’s vast resources database provides thousands of searchable STEM resources by category, school level, and state. This comprehensive library includes info on enrichment activities, curricula, internships, scholarships, and more. Check out a free sampling here. Or get an NSTEM membership today to unlock the complete list.
Grades 3-5 continue the STEM education journey, where students are interested in the natural world and how things work, responding to stories told by teachers that give purpose and meaning to STEM disciplines molding them into thinkers, problem solvers, and creators. The National STEM Honor Society sees grades 3-5 as a critical point in the NSTEM journey. To start your grade 3-5 chapter of the National STEM Honor Society, click here.
