School is back in session, so it’s time to rouse those hungry minds with our STEM diverse reading list and collection! There’s something for every student within these vibrant stacks of books. Animals, architects, engineers, surgeons, economists, environmentalists, and more fill the pages of these engaging, diverse reads.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up STEM books for grades 3-5. You can find more of our STEM titles in our STEM Diverse Reading List and the corresponding book collection.
Aani and the Tree Huggers, written by Jeannine Atkins, illlustrated by Venatius J. Pinto: A village girl in India inspires the women around her to save their beloved forest.
Animal Poems of the Iguazú/Animalario del Iguazú, written by Francisco Alarcón, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez: Let’s listen to / the green voice of the rainforest. The animals of the Iguazú speak for themselves, creating a collection of poems that will resonate with readers of all ages. Bilingual English/Spanish.
Butterfly for a King: Saving Hawai’i’s Kamehameha Butterflies, written by Cindy Trumbore and Susan L. Roth, illustrated by Susan L. Roth: The fascinating true story of a beautiful native Hawaiian butterfly, a great Hawaiian warrior king, and current-day efforts by scientists and citizens to restore the butterfly’s declining population.
Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life: A Story of Sustainable Farming, written and photographed by Jan Reynolds: A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.
Parrots Over Puerto Rico, written by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore, illustrated by Susan L. Roth: A nonfiction picture book about the history of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican parrot, which was brought back from the brink of extinction.
The Story of Environmentalist Wangari Maathai, written by Jen Cullerton Johnson, illustrated by Sonia Sadler: This inspiring entry in the “Story of” line of chapter-book biographies features Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
The Lion Queens of India, written and photographed by Jan Reynolds: Award-winning photojournalist Jan Reynolds offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the endangered Asiatic lions and the female forest rangers who fight to save them.
The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families, written by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore, illustrated by Susan L. Roth: The fascinating story of Dr. Gordon Sato, who helped a small African village become self-sustaining by planting a forest of mangrove trees to reshape the community’s ecosystem.
Nibi’s Water Song, written by Sunshine Tenasco, illustrated by Chief Lady Bird: This bright and vivacious book from two Native creators celebrated the energy, moxie, and determination of water activists of all ages.
The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan: Inventor, Entrepreneur, Hero, written by Joan DiCicco, illustrated by Ebony Glenn: Garrett Morgan, a prolific African American inventor and entrepreneur, must test his latest invention in a daring rescue after an explosion at the Cleveland Waterworks.
